Visit The Wildlife Ranger Challenge Website
This year we were thrilled to organise the fifth Wildlife Ranger Challenge, alongside our partners the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA). Since June, Ranger teams across Africa have taken on a series of fitness challenges which culminated on Saturday 21st September with a 21km half-marathon race. The male teams carried 21kg and the female teams carried 10kg.
We are delighted to announce that the men’s race was won by Tanzania’s African People & Wildlife, Tarangire Ecosystem Team (B) in an incredible time of 2:06:12 raced by Alex Kipii, Saruni Piikini, Jackson Thomas and Tendee Masangusi.
The female’s race was won by Zambia’s Frankfurt Zoological Society, Nsumbu Women’s Team in 02:33:03 raced by Abigail Bwalya, Sinivah Mulenga, Mildred Chishimba and Forstinah Mutono.
You can visit the full results here.
This year will see the overall campaign exceed $20 million raised since July 2020, which underlines the hugely positive impact that the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has had on rangers across Africa.
This year, over 150 four-person Wildlife Ranger teams competed, representing diverse conservation efforts across Africa. From marine rangers protecting coral and sea turtles in the Indian Ocean to mounted rangers patrolling the high-altitude forests of Mount Kenya to an all-female unit protecting wildlife in the remote east of Zambia, these teams showcased the dedication and variety of wildlife conservation work being done on the continent.
In a global show of support for wildlife rangers, five regional races were held in Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Challenging participants to navigate diverse terrains, from lush rainforests to arid savannas. Rangers from these five countries joined forces with supporters worldwide, uniting under the hashtag #ForWildlifeRangers.
Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of GRAA, ‘Another amazing WRC event has taken place across Africa in support of Wildlife Rangers. From the west African rainforest to the Zanzibar archipelago, hundreds of Rangers have trained extremely hard for weeks – completing push-ups at high-altitude and underwater – and run a half-marathon today. This focus on physical and mental health and the amazing fellowship of the WRC have undoubtedly helped to improve Ranger wellbeing.
Precious Malapane, K9 Dog Unit Ranger Operations Manager and Dog Trainer at SAWC, said, ‘Wildlife Rangers are risking their lives every day to watch over species everyone loves, such as elephants, rhino and lions. It doesn’t make sense to me that when nature is in such crisis, Rangers are still under-paid and undervalued. But the annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge provides a rare opportunity for Rangers to get together and create a powerful network of wildlife guardians. It was amazing to see so many Rangers united, cheering each other on.’
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said, ‘We have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s mammals, birds, fish and reptiles in a half-century. If we are to meet global conservation targets to effectively protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (‘30 x 30’) and stem any further losses, we need a properly respected, skilled and equipped Wildlife Ranger workforce.
‘It has been such a privilege for me to be in Zambia with the teams from Conservation South Luangwa for race day. In addition to the energy and obvious camaraderie of Rangers, it was their total commitment to the task in hand which I found so inspiring.
‘Simply put, Rangers are exceptional human beings, and I believe that it is more important than ever to stand with them, invest in their profession and fully recognise the incalculable value of their contribution to conservation.’
Hundreds of people around the world got behind the Rangers with donations, messages of support and by doing a challenge of their own on race day. In London’s Hyde Park, Tusk and Be Military Fit held a “train like a ranger” session, where participants were joined by Tusk Ambassador Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge would not be possible without the generous support of Mark Scheinberg, and we are also grateful for the sponsorship from Disney Conservation Fund, EJF Philanthropies and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
There is still time to donate to the campaign, your donation will be generously matched by Mark Scheinberg, DOUBLING its impact.
