There was a meter of synthetic string wound around its beak and inside its mouth.

Gansbaai, Western Cape (07 April 2026) – Cape gannets are generally much too fast for human hands to catch. They’re built for speed with sharp eyes and razor beaks. They can outsmart even the quickest flick of a fish. This gannet, on the other hand, didn’t put up a fight when its rescuers drew closer. That’s when the crew of the Dream Catcher knew that something must’ve been awry.

The Marine Dynamics Marine Big 5 Tour vessel had been out with guests on the water near Gansbaai when the crew spotted the bird flying low, trailing what appeared to be a length of synthetic string. It landed on the surface without diving or taking off. It just sat there as they inched closer.

Crew members Zwelandile Matiwane, Admire Kuseka, and Leon Kriel reached for the net kept on board for these moments and scooped the bird from the water. When it didn’t resist and didn’t so much as snap, they understood how close to the end it really was.

“It was as if it was saying: ‘I’m exhausted. I haven’t been able to eat for days… maybe months. Help me.’”

Working with gentle hands, the three used a sharp knife to remove a metre of synthetic string wound tightly around the bird’s beak and lodged inside its mouth. It had likely been there for weeks or possibly months. Unable to open its beak properly, the gannet would have been unable to feed.

“Clients on this tour witnessed something I have never seen in my 25 years of marine conservation. I have seen many entangled seabirds, even gannets, but it is nearly impossible to catch and help them. This was truly amazing — but also incredibly sad that this bird was so weak we could literally scoop him up.” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics & Founder, Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

The Cape gannet, or ‘malgas’, is endemic to southern Africa and listed as endangered. A healthy population of gannets (like the growing colony on Bird Island) is considered a good indicator of a healthy ocean, so their steady decline over recent decades, driven by overfishing and shrinking prey stocks, is a story the sea itself is telling us.

Already nutritionally stressed, Cape gannets like this one are far less equipped to survive an additional threat like entanglement in ghost fishing gear.

“Yet, like the critically endangered African Penguin, their populations have declined dramatically due to reduced prey availability, driven by overfishing and changing environmental conditions. Forced to survive on less nutritious fishery discards, many are already weakened — making threats like plastic entanglement even more deadly.”

Chivell, who founded the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and has spent 25 years working these waters, says this rescue was both remarkable and a reminder of the saddening reality his teams encounter regularly.

“It is heartbreaking to witness the suffering caused by entanglement. We see seals with plastic cutting through their skin and flesh – literally suffocating these animals. It is a slow, horrific death.”

The Trust has spent decades fighting back against ocean pollution through stormwater catchment programmes, education, and training crews like this one never to look away from an animal in need. That culture of readiness is what gave this seabird (and many others rescued) a second chance.

The gannet was released, if it’s spotted again showing signs of distress, it will be taken to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary for further care.

Thousands of tour guests pass through Gansbaai every year to see the ocean’s wonders. On this trip, they also got to see what it looks like when the people who love our oceans refuse to turn away from the cost of our plastic habit. A habit that quite literally kills.

“This gannet was given a second chance. But how many others are out there, suffering unseen? It doesn’t matter where you live. Every river leads to the ocean. Every piece of litter has the potential to become a death sentence for marine life.”

Sadly, not every bird will have a Dream Catcher nearby. A fisherman leaving a bit of line behind, a child tossing a wrapper out the window instead of in the bin…nobody thinks their small bit of carelessness is the problem. That’s what we need to work on changing. Stories like this one can spark that awareness – even if only reaching one person. Responsibly discarding your rubbish matters!

Sources: Dryer Island Conservation Trust. 

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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After nearly three months of searching and praying, the miracle one puppy owner had hoped for finally happened. Her precious furbaby that had gone missing in January is finally back in her arms!

Heidelberg, South Africa (02 April 2026) – When a puppy owner lost her beloved furbaby, Pou, time seemed to stand still. Unlucky in her search to find her little five-month-old dog, she reported it missing on 4 January 2026, spreading the word as far as she could.

The days and weeks went by with no sign of him.

Yesterday, however, almost out of nowhere, a kind gentleman from Ratanda visited the SPCA Heidelberg, carrying a little fluff ball he found lying in the street in front of his home.

The poor boy was covered in ticks and fleas, but thankfully, otherwise unharmed.

The SPCA’s Trainee Inspector, Elzette, took one look at him and immediately recognised the ‘fluff ball’ as the little pup that had been reported missing earlier in the year.

“This is Pou! This is Pou,” Elzette is said to have immediately exclaimed.

The SPCA Heidelberg contacted the dog’s owner, and she rushed over… and what followed was nothing short of pure emotion. Tears, relief, and overwhelming joy!

Pou was microchipped before returning home – a measure the SPCA encourages all pet owners to put into place to avoid the devastation that follows when a furry friend wanders far from home.

“A microchip can make all the difference – ensuring we can contact you immediately if your pet is found and brought to the SPCA or a vet. It could be the reason your story also gets a happy ending.”

Sometimes the longest waits lead to the most beautiful reunions. What started as a heartbreaking story of a lost puppy has unfolded into a heartwarming miracle just in time for Easter!

Pou is now safe. His tummy is full. And back home, where he belongs: in his mom’s loving arms.

Sources: SPCA Heidelberg GP news 

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Odin, once a shy kennel pup, shows his playful side in a heartwarming beach outing. Now, he’s ready to find a loving home.

Cape Town, South Africa (31 March 2026) – Meet Odin, the shy kennel pup who’s ready to show the world (and a lucky family) just how much love he has to give.

At the Pit Pals kennels, Odin often hides away, the quiet type that people sometimes overlook. But take him to the beach and everything changes. The moment his paws hit the sand, that reserved, cautious pup transformed into an enthusiastic adventurer, racing through the clear blue water with boundless excitement.

Odin is special, and he’s ready for a home of his own. While he needs time to build trust and let down the walls he’s carefully constructed around his heart, the reward is immeasurable. Once comfortable, Odin becomes an endlessly loving companion.

With slow introductions and some patience, Odin could even bond with a calm, happy-go-lucky female dog, opening the door to a joyful, playful household.

Pit Pals hopes that with slow introductions and some patience, Odin could even bond with a calm, happy-go-lucky female dog, opening the door to a joyful, playful household.

If you think your home could be the one for this seven-year-old bundle of love, or want to start the adoption process, for more information, follow the link here.

Sources: Pit Pals/ Facebook 

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary is celebrating a special arrival, as a white rhino calf was born on the reserve!

Nelspruit, South Africa (31 March 2026) – The world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary has welcomed the birth of a little white rhino calf. The calf marks a milestone as the 33rd birth at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary.

The calf’s mother, Robyn, joined the sanctuary over a decade ago, traumatised, alone and vulnerable, after she had lost her mother to poaching.

“Robyn’s story began back in 2014. After her mother was killed by poachers in the Kruger National Park, she was rescued and brought to Care for Wild.” shares the organisation.

Robyn was raised and cared for at the sanctuary before entering the rewilding and release program.

“Now, at just over 12 years old, she has become a mother for the first time…We are so so proud of her.” shares Care for Wild Rhino.

The organisation specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and ongoing protection of rhinos. It works toward a future where viable, free-ranging populations of black and white rhinos thrive within protected, vibrant ecosystems.

“We are once again incredibly humbled to welcome another white rhino calf into the world. This marks the 33rd birth at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, a truly monumental milestone. Every single rhino life is so precious in the fight to save the species.” shares Care for Wild Rhino.

Robyn’s little one joins two young orphaned rhino calves who were rescued after being found alone in the Kruger National Park, believed to have lost their mothers to poaching. Estimated to be around 12 to 14 months old, the pair had stuck together for protection before a coordinated rescue effort saw them safely airlifted to Care for Wild, where they’re now recovering under close watch.

While some calves arrive carrying the trauma of loss, others, like the newborn, represent what’s possible when rescue, rehabilitation and protection come together. Even in the face of ongoing threats, there is still space for hope and for rhinos to simply be rhinos again!

Sources: Linked above.

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Micro Plastics are not food, and yet tiny turtles wash up each year with little tummies loaded with micro plastics. The TOA Foundation has come up with a clever way to show children just how much plastic is in our ocean.

Cape Town, South Africa (30 March 2026) – April marks the start of turtle hatchling season. Every year, tiny little turtles start their journey into the big wide ocean, ready to face the odds and grow into a beautiful, ancient creature. But the weather, the environment and the pollution can often stop this process in its tracks. The Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) Foundation’s Turtle Rescue Network collect any hatchlings known as strandings and take them into the care of the capable team of specialist volunteers and aquarium staff.

So many of these hatchlings wash up on the Western Cape coastlines because when they are born on the Northern Beaches in KwaZulu-Natal, they make their way into the ocean and towards the warm Agulhas current.

If a hatchling is lucky, it will be carried by the Agulhas Current as it turns east off the coast of the Western Cape and out into the warm Indian Ocean. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy for the tiny hatchlings, and many of them are ejected from the Agulhas Current into the cold water of the Atlantic. This water is too cold for these hatchlings to survive. They get gradually weaker and weaker as they try to return to the Agulhas – an effort that is made increasingly difficult in bad weather, barnacles taking over the little body or if the turtle has been harmed by ingesting plastic pollution.

Micro plastics which are very prominant in the ocean, are often confused for kelp and other delicious morsels. The more plastic ingested, the sicker the hatchling becomes. It prevents them from digesting real food, making them weak and leads to stranding.

To marry the idea that micro plastics make turtle hatchlings sick, the team came up with an clever educational tool which helps learners understand just how deteremental plastic pollution is.

The team have tiny turtles (modelled on the very real ones they have rescued) and accompanying these turtles, a little plastic container filled with all the micro plastics ingested by that turtle. The exercise gives learners a hands on experience, seeing how such a tiny turtle, can have so much micro plastic in its system.

The picture changes when one can hold the evidence within their hands. The Two Oceans Aquarium (TOA) Foundation is committed to education. The team host multiple programmes to empower and educate youth.

Take a look at the simple, yet powerful way learners get hands on.

We can all make a difference. Start by changing how you shop, take part in cleanups at your nearest beach, seperate your recycling at home and place it in clearly marked bags so teams understand which items can be recycled. Reducing one’s reliance on plastic is the greatest way to make a difference!

Sources: TOA Foundation 

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Honouring the heroes who see the worst and turn it into second chances.

South Africa (30 March 2026) – The Midrand SPCA has recognised two of its long-serving inspectors, marking a combined 31 years of service to animal welfare.

“This past week, we had the privilege of celebrating two incredible members of our team who have each dedicated more than a decade of service to the Midrand SPCA.”

Inspector Theo Mokgatle has served 18 years, while Inspector Jerry Seemise has given 13. Both brought years of experience with them before joining the Midrand branch.

Their work sits at the front line of animal welfare. They’re the ones who respond to countless complaints, investigate cruelty and neglect, and ensure animals are protected under the law. It’s often difficult work, and it requires consistency and a very big heart.

“While their journeys as Inspectors began long before joining us, we are deeply grateful for the many years they have devoted to protecting and serving the animals of our community through Midrand SPCA.”

The organisation marked the milestone with a small internal celebration attended by staff and committee members. Theo and Jerry were each awarded a certificate from General Manager Inspector Pam Pretorius, along with a trophy.

“As part of the occasion, they were presented with a special certificate… acknowledging not only their years of service, but also their ability to ‘survive’ her all this time – along with a well-earned trophy.”

Their years on the job translate into real impact.

“Theo and Jerry, your years of service represent countless lives changed — animals rescued, suffering prevented, and second chances given…”

It isn’t the kind of work that always gets attention, but it keeps communities and their animals safer every day. That is something we will always celebrate!

Sources: Linked above.

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Before he even brought a kitten of his own home, Mohlaudi made a promise to be the best ‘cat dad’ possible – and last week, that very dedication saved a life!

Free State, South Africa (27 March 2026) – When a young boy named Mohlaudi first joined us at Cluny Animal Trust’s regular Tuesday Dip Day in Kgubetswana, Clarens, he didn’t attend or participate as a pet owner, or even have a pet of his own yet. But his curiosity was contagious, and he spent many weeks chatting with Nico, eager to learn everything about responsible cat ownership.

“So, when he finally arrived a few months later with his adorable kitten, Lunah, we weren’t at all surprised,” shares Cluny Animal Trust.

Mohlaudi immediately applied all the knowledge he had gained and made sure Lunah was fully vaccinated. By six months, he had her sterilised – showing what a dedicated and caring pet owner he truly was.

Last week, however, a very worried Mohlaudi rushed Lunah to the animal welfare team, noticing some troubling signs.

“She wasn’t eating, was vomiting badly, had diarrhoea, and was dangerously dehydrated and weak. Dr Elsa suspected a viral infection, although the exact cause was unclear. Lunah was immediately given intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care to ease her nausea.”

The organisation admits that those 48 hours were touch and go. But the team refused to give up on the special little kitten that was so deeply loved.

“We fought hard alongside her every step of the way. And almost like magic, she started eating again after two days with us. We cared for her closely for a full week, and when she finally went home yesterday to her very happy owner, Mohlaudi, she was a completely different kitten – stronger, brighter, and full of life once more.”

What a heartwarming turnaround! The Cluny Animal Trust playfully said that little Lunah still had nine lives after all – we’re just so happy she started one of those nine lives with the BEST cat dad!

As the Trust puts it, such stories remind us that every life is worth fighting for and that the dedication of an animal welfare team can truly transform the lives of pets and their owners.

Sources: The Cluny Animal Trust

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It’s a good season to be a Cape Gannet on Bird Island!

Lambert’s Bay, South Africa (27 March 2026) – It’s like looking at a cloud of white wings. That’s how sublime Bird Island becomes in the breeding season.

Around 43,000 Cape Gannets have made the island their home this year. A thriving colony of this size is a reason to celebrate, as the Cape Gannet is listed as Endangered on the global IUCN Red List. Two steps away from extinction in the wild.

Over the past years, the Bird Island colony held steady in the 30,000s. Between last year and this season, numbers have pushed well into the 40,000s. The jump is significant enough to suggest that gannets from other colonies are actively choosing Bird Island as their preferred place to breed.

It hasn’t always looked so hopeful. Just over a decade ago, the entire colony abandoned the island almost overnight after on-land seal predation made it too dangerous. Every single gannet left. The team at CapeNature refused to give up. They implemented predator management measures and, in one of the more creative conservation interventions you’ll ever hear about, used bird decoys to lure the gannets back!!

It worked. The colony slowly rebuilt and today it’s thriving again. In fact, early signs suggest this could be one of the strongest fledging seasons in several years. So far, 7647 young birds have been recorded and there are still several weeks of the season to go.

Gannet fledging is one of nature’s most spectacular events. Young birds leave the safety of the colony to embark on a two to three-year ocean-wide journey, returning only once they are ready to breed. Every fledgling leaving Bird Island right now is heading off on that extraordinary solo voyage…

In an effort to track them and understand their movements, rangers have ringed 750 chicks and 250 adult birds in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. This will bring vital data to national seabird research.

The busy breeding season is good news for the gannets, but also for the ocean!

“This kind of sustained occupancy is a positive sign for the species and for the marine environment that supports them,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. “Large, stable gannet colonies like the one on Bird Island are important indicators of ocean health along the West Coast. These seabirds rely on healthy marine ecosystems for their nutrition and breeding success, so when we see them in large numbers, it reflects a positive conservation outcome.”

The island hosts Cape, Crowned and White-breasted Cormorants, Common and Greater Crested Terns, Hartlaub’s and Kelp Gulls and, adding a touch of personality, a moulting penguin has taken up temporary residence within the gannet colony.

Bird Island has also updated its interpretive signage, which now gives visitors richer context about the island’s inhabitants, its history, and why seabird colonies matter to the broader marine ecosystem. It is a wonderful stop to make along the West Coast – now especially!

Sources: CapeNature.

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The post Bird Island Buzzing With Busy Cape Gannet Breeding Season! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

They made room for one more…

Limpopo, South Africa (26 March 2026) – The Rhino Orphanage (TRO) recently welcomed an unexpected new arrival. Not a rhino this time, but a month-old sable calf who needed a family just as much.

The team was called in after the little bull appeared weak, and struggling to nurse.

“The baby was weak, dehydrated and didn’t seem to drink from its mother. The property owner and attending vet Dr Ben Uys, assessed and thought that moms milk may have dried up. They were also concerned about his left eye.” TRO shared.

When he arrived at TRO in Limpopo, a clinical examination confirmed that the calf had been fighting considerable pain.

“It was discovered that the little guy had a very bad, painful cut in his mouth, a swollen lower lip and an ulcer in his left eye.”

The ‘baby’ sable was treated for pain, given antibiotics and received eye treatment. Thankfully after 24 hours of trying, he started suckling and is looking better already.

And so, the crash made room for one more.

While the name might lead you to believe the orphanage only welcomes rhinos, there happen to be a number of other residents, including goats and lambs, at TRO. They are brought in to comfort and companion the calves who are too small to be around bigger rhinos but too fragile to be alone.

TRO’s work follows four careful stages of rescue, raising, rehabilitating, releasing. Each is a step toward giving orphaned rhinos a chance to return to the wild where they belong.

The sable calf is doing well. He’s in good hands, and rare company!

Sources: Linked above.

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When a hailstorm tore holes into the asbestos roof of her home, Nana didn’t reach for her valuables; she reached for her furbaby, King.

Mpophomeni, South Africa (26 March 2026) – When disaster strikes, especially something as devastating as watching your home be destroyed, it is easy to panic, grab whatever is near, or become paralysed by shock and heartbreak.

When a terrible hail storm hit the township of Mpophomeni last week, the roof of Nana’s home suffered extensive damage. Ice stones tore large holes through the asbestos, allowing rain to flood the rooms. Amidst the chaos, Nana’s first instinct was to rush to safety and ensure her furbaby, King, was protected.

Despite the anxiety that Nana and her elderly mother experienced during the storm, she prioritised the safety of their beloved dog.

Nana also happens to be one of Funda Nenja’s community assistants, and the empathy she displayed for her dog spoke volumes – the very kind of compassion encouraged and instilled by the organisation in the neighbourhood.

“Whenever extreme weather conditions affect Mpophomeni, we think of the animals, most of which live outdoors and have inadequate shelter from the elements,” Funda Nenja shared.

This wasn’t, however, the case for King. Instead, this doggo was placed on Nana’s bed, as seen in a shared video, and was reassured throughout the terrifying ordeal.

Her home was one of those that were badly damaged, but all that came second to the little life entrusted to her care. Now that’s a level of devotion that speaks to a truly special bond – one where a pet’s safety comes first, no matter the circumstances.

We are deeply moved by Nana’s compassion and hope her family recovers from the structural damage to their home soon.

Sources: Funda Nenja

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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