CapeNature Cubs Club celebrates Kai's second birthday with a day of fun, friendship and recognition
CapeNature's Cubs Club celebrated the second birthday of its beloved mascot, Kai the Leopard Cub, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at Helderberg Nature Reserve, bringing together children, families, and partners for a day of fun and environmental celebration.
The special occasion welcomed children from three orphanages – Goeie Hoop, Hope & Light, and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary – who were given the opportunity to join in the festivities and experience a day filled with laughter, games, and unforgettable memories in nature.
Adding to the excitement, six fellow mascots joined Kai to celebrate his special day, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that delighted all attendees.
The event recognised and celebrated the top-performing Cubs Club members for April 2025 to March 2026. These individuals were acknowledged for their dedication and participation in environmental action projects, demonstrating that young people can contribute towards protecting and appreciating nature.
Guests enjoyed traditional games and activities, including musical chairs, pin the tail, and the egg-and-spoon race, encouraging teamwork, friendship, and active participation among the children.
A total of 101 attendees joined the celebration, making the event a resounding success and highlighting the continued growth and impact of the Cubs Club programme. Partners in attendance included the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, City of Cape Town, Nature Connect, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Jungle Theatre, Cape Leopard Trust, Made Better Foundation, Shark Spotters, and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, CEO of CapeNature, Dr Ashley Naidoo said:
Kai's second birthday is a celebration of every child who has been part of the Cubs Club journey. Seeing children from orphanages, our top scorers, and our mascot friends come together today reminds us of the ability nature has to inspire learning and curiosity among young people while also developing the next generation of conservation champions.
Over the past two years, Kai has become much more than a mascot, he has become a symbol of environmental awareness, adventure, and youth engagement. Through his interactions with children across the Western Cape, Kai continues to inspire young conservation champions and encourage a deeper appreciation for our environment and nature.
CapeNature extends its gratitude to all partners, volunteers, participating orphanages, mascot teams, Cubs Club members, and supporters who contributed to making Kai's second birthday celebration a special occasion.
Happy Birthday Kai! Here's to many more years of inspiring young nature champions across the Western Cape.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026