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
Western Cape adds over 81 000 hectares of new nature reserves in the past year
The Western Cape has added over 20 new nature reserves to its Protected Area network, securing more than 81 715 hectares of ecologically significant land for long-term conservation. Declared between April 2025 and March 2026, these new reserves strengthen the province’s efforts to protect important landscapes, species, and vegetation types.
Exploring the hidden world of fynbos frogs
A recent grant from the Herpetological Association of Africa enabled the investigation of the taxonomically confusing species of Ghost Frogs. Ghost Frogs (Family Heleophrynidae) are an endemic family of frogs that diverged from all other frogs 100 million years ago. These specialised frogs typically inhabit fast-flowing headwater habitats.
Where water flows, equality grows on World Water Day 2026
In recent months, communities across the Western Cape have been confronted with increasing water shortages and climate related disruptions. Communities reliant on smaller reservoirs and surface water systems, demonstrate the region’s vulnerability to low rainfall, the impact of alien invasive trees in removing water from natural systems, ageing water infrastructure and rising consumption.
Environmental education gets a boost through CapeNature’s museum training
CapeNature has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS): Museum Services to expand environmental education across the Western Cape. During February 2026, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on water conservation
Western Cape marks World Wildlife Day as CapeNature highlights climate resilience and sustainable living
The Western Cape is marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, a day proclaimed by the United Nations, by reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development, with CapeNature playing a central role in conserving the province’s natural heritage.
CapeNature Cubs Club Connect 2026 makes a splash with water-themed family fun
Scores of children and their families flocked to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve over the weekend to take part in a day of learning, laughter and connection in nature as part of CapeNature’s Cubs Club programme. Around 70 children and their families took part in the Cubs Club Connect 2026 event to celebrate this year’s theme, Water.