The secret of CapeNature’s new ambassador is out!
CapeNature is thrilled to announce the identity of its new Cubs Club ambassador, Kai the Cape leopard cub. Kai was introduced to the public and a group of Cubs Club members on Friday, 5 July 2024, for the very first time.
Kai will be the face of CapeNature, bringing his charisma and charm to the Cubs Club. Nature lovers and Cubs Club members alike will soon become familiar with Kai and his unique personality and love of learning new things. Cape leopards are found in the Western Cape and inhabit rugged mountain areas and fynbos-covered valleys in the province. Smaller in size than other African leopards, they possess unique markings and demonstrate remarkable agility and adaptability.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo expressed enthusiasm for the Entity’s newest member and his belief that Kai’s success is CapeNature’s success.
“Cape leopards are apex predators, and their wellbeing indicates a healthy ecosystem. If they do well, it means the entire environment they inhabit is thriving. Kai, as a young cub, symbolises the potential for growth and the importance of nurturing our natural world.
“His quest for knowledge and eagerness to explore captures the spirit of our curious young Cubs Club members who represent our future conservation champions,” says Dr Naidoo.
He adds, “Kai’s name, which means fighter, warrior, and protector of the Earth, reflects his future role as a guardian of nature. His unique appearance, with a black left back foot devoid of spots, emphasises the beauty of diversity and individuality while championing the little differences that make us all unique.”
As the Cubs Club ambassador, Kai will play a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness and positive conservation behaviours among children. His mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect nature. Over the next year, Kai will visit CapeNature reserves, participate in public events, and engage with children in previously disadvantaged schools through CapeNature’s curriculum-aligned programs. Exciting competitions and interactive events featuring Kai will be announced on social media throughout the year.
The CapeNature Cubs Club is a digital platform for children aged four to 13, offering educational resources and incentives to engage in environmental action projects. Members receive a welcome pack, birthday accommodation discounts, and invitations to exclusive events.
For more information on the Cubs Club or to sign up, parents and group leaders can email learning@capenature.co.za
Related News
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations
CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.
Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas
Our marine areas are teeming with life and a variety of protection measures are used to protect the ocean, such as precautionary fishery management principles (bag limits, size limits, catch limits and closed seasons) and shipping and pollution regulations. But at the heart of the protection efforts, are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are demarcated areas to conserve this incredible biodiversity. MPAs can form critical refugia for some more resident species, which may become extinct without protection. All species and ecosystems form part of the overall functioning marine ecosystem and its ability to sustain direct and indirect use. The need to conserve MPAs is based on scientific evidence as well as frequent public engagement and participation in active protection of these areas.
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?