Ranger Matt

04/08/2026

Hi Ranger Matt fans and followers!
Bush Fact Reels are back this week, along with some longer-form wildlife content!

I know it's been a little quiet recently. Between planning exciting new content, attending events and markets, and sharing Ranger Matt and the Lost Lion Cub, it's been a very busy few weeks—and I'm so grateful for all your amazing support.
In the meantime, I've decided to add something new to the Ranger Matt page...

FREE Wildlife Activities!
Every few days I'll be sharing a new colouring page, worksheet or activity that you can download, print and enjoy at home or in the classroom.
These free resources are perfect for parents, teachers and Junior Rangers who love African wildlife. And Moms, Dads, Grannies, Grampas's, Aunties, Uncles and Teachers there will be an Activity or 2 for you adults as well.

This week's FREE activity:
Spotted Hyena Colouring Page
Simply click the link in comments to download and print it.

I'd LOVE to see your completed artwork! Please Snap a Hi-Res photo then post your child's masterpiece in the comments, share it on the Ranger Matt page, or send it to me in a direct message. With your permission, I'd love to feature your child's artwork on the Ranger Matt page so we can celebrate our amazing Junior Rangers together!

REMEMBER THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD ART. Let your Child be creative.

If you enjoy this activity, please like, share and tag a parent or teacher who might love these free wildlife activities too.

Happy colouring, Junior Rangers!

— Ranger Matt

03/08/2026

I spent some time with Kaelen during our last visit to the African Raptor Centre. He is an asset to the conservation community.

Congratulations Kaelen wishing you all the best in your new position..

The African Raptor centre inside Tala Private Game Reserve is a for all bird and Raptor lovers. Be it owls, vultures or eagles the raptor centre has something for everyone. Pack the kids in the car and make a day of it you wont believe this is so close to pietermaritzburg this is.

01/08/2026

Ranger Matt is at the Fort Nottingham Highland Games with the Lions River Honorary Officers. Come get your signed Copy of Ranger Matt And The Lost Lion Cub and a Delicious Wors Roll.

31/07/2026

TODAY WILDLIFE WON!

I am immensely proud to be part of an organization like Lions River Honorary Officers. A salute goes to the HOs to pitched to court, who drove the process and followed the letter of the law to get a conviction and a sentence.

Not many people know how much work goes into protecting our wildlife from the ruthless slaughter of our game animals.

Whilst I wasn't part of the actual process I am super proud to be a member of LRHO.

🐾 HUGE WIN FOR KZN MIDLANDS WILDLIFE! 🌿✨
​We have some incredible, heart-warming news to share with our community! 💚

On July 30, 2026, the Howick Magistrate’s Court delivered a landmark ruling proving that South Africa's conservation laws are actively guarding our precious animals before tragedy strikes! ⚖️

​🎉 The Best Part? Not a Single Animal Was Harmed! 🦌
Most wildlife court cases happen after an animal has been lost, but this story has a victory-filled ending. Four individuals were convicted under Section 42(2) of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance after entering private conservation land unlawfully with 16 hunting dogs.

​Thanks to swift intervention, the law stepped in before any harm could come to our local wildlife, including protected species like the endangered Oribi and Reedbuck! 🌾🐕‍🦺

​📜 Quick Highlights of the Court Ruling:
​📍 Location: Howick Magistrates Court.
​⚖️ The Conviction: All four individuals were convicted for unlawful hunting activity and entering private land with intent to hunt.
​💸 The Sentence: Each person received a fine of R8,000 or 12 months' imprisonment (with half the sentence suspended for 5 years), along with strict legal conditions banning them from returning to the property.
​🛡️ The Big Picture: Our legal system showed that you don't need a lost animal to enforce the law, intent and unlawful entry are enough to protect our natural heritage!

​🌱 Why This Means So Much to the Midlands:
Keeping our countryside safe and vibrant is a giant team effort! 🤝

From dedicated farmers and private landowners who spend decades protecting wildlife, to rangers, investigators, prosecutors, and caring citizens everyone plays a part.

This judgment sends an encouraging, positive message across KwaZulu-Natal: prevention is the ultimate conservation victory! 🇿🇦💚

​💡 How YOU Can Help Keep KZN Wildlife Safe:
1️⃣ Spread the Word: Share this post to celebrate local conservation victories and raise awareness! 📢
2️⃣ Be the Eyes and Ears: If you observe illegal hunting or suspicious activity on private or protected land, report immediately 📞
Lions River Honorary Officers reporting line: 0657731532.
3️⃣ Support Local Conservation: Let’s keep working together to ensure our hills and forests remain a safe haven for wild animals for generations to come! 🌳🐾

​Together, we are making a real difference!

Drop a 💚 in the comments to show your support for our local wildlife and share this post to spread the good news! 🔄👇

​ Wildlife

29/07/2026

Thank you African Raptor Centre for having Ranger Matt part of your event And promoting Owl Conservation. Owl be posting some videos from the event this week so stay tuned

29/07/2026

With African Raptor Centre – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

Thank you for all you do for educating the public about our incredible birds of prey

Stay tuned over the next 12 days ill be showcasing South Africas 12 Owl species.

24/07/2026

BE IN A RANGER MATT VIDEO!

For the First time Ranger Matt will be in Waterfall

Ranger Matt will be attending this awesome event in Upper Highway Tomorrow. Please come and support the African Raptor Centre by purchasing a Ranger Matt book and bring the kids for some awesome and educational fun. And yes you could be in the next Ranger Matt video.

I CANT WAIT TO MEET YOU ALL.

🦉❄️ DON’T MISS OUT – AFTER DARK AT CUMEC PARK! 🌙✨

Our next exciting fundraiser is set for a chilly winter evening, and you’re invited!

Join the African Raptor Centre for After Dark — an unforgettable evening of owls, music, food and community spirit.

📍 Cumec Park🕓 4pm – 8pm🎟️ FREE ENTRY
53 Link rd, Waterfall

Bring your folding chairs or picnic blankets and settle in for a relaxed sunset picnic while the park comes alive after dark.

🌟 Meet our owl species ambassadors
🌟 Learn the secrets of our urban owls
🌟 Chat with local conservancies
🌟 Enjoy family-friendly activities (donation based)
🌟 Warm up with curry, burgers, hot chocolate, coffee and other refreshments
🌟 Relax under the moonlight with live music by Dawn Melanie & Nat Bruzas 🎶

Every donation and food purchase helps raise funds for the African Raptor Centre’s Raptor Rescue & Rehabilitation Programme, supporting injured and orphaned birds of prey across KwaZulu-Natal.

Come for the music, stay for the owls, and help us keep raptors flying free. 🦅🦉💚

✨ After Dark – where conservation comes alive!

11/07/2026

Thank you Goodnightreads for showcasing my 5 Star Review. Truly Humbled.

10/07/2026

How awesome is this ? Thank you Toy Hut for promoting reading. Ranger Matt and The Lost Lion Cub is waiting for you!

Nothing pairs better with cooler weather than a good book 📚 Our shelves are packed with wonderful reads for all ages - come find your next favourite story.

08/07/2026

Thats a Sticky Situation!

Have you ever wondered how an aardvark manages to break into a solid termite mound and eat thousands of termites in just one night?

The secret isn't just its powerful digging claws—it's an incredibly long, sticky tongue that can reach deep into the winding tunnels inside the mound, collecting termites that most predators could never reach.

An aardvark can eat up to 50,000 ants and termites in a single night, making it one of Africa's most fascinating and specialized mammals.
One of the best parts of being out in the African bush is finding clues like this. Every broken termite mound tells a story, and if you know what to look for, you can discover exactly what happened while everyone else was asleep.

Nature always has another mystery waiting to be solved.

Have you ever seen an aardvark in the wild, or is this the first time you've learned about one? I'd love to hear your answer in the comments!

Follow Ranger Matt for more real African wildlife adventures, fascinating bush facts, and educational videos that bring the wonders of nature to life.