Exactly one week ago over 1,000 of our rangers ran a collective 21,000 km, across 17 parks in Africa as part of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge. Race day was a collective display of strength and hope, courage and optimism, embodying who our rangers are and what they do every single day.
Wildlife rangers across Africa are severely under-resourced. They were before this pandemic and they will most certainly remain to be for the unforeseeable future because of the global lockdown, revenue shortfalls, and overall lack of understanding of the need for effectively managed protected areas. That is why our African Parks rangers ran – in solidarity and in support for their fellow rangers across Africa who need resources.
Watch
After a month of training and preparation, demarcating routes, and setting up water stops, our men and woman ran together in some of the wildest landscapes that remain across our continent. They ran through desert sandstone, along beaches, through thick rainforest, open plains, and water-submerged trails. They sang on the trails, and chanted encouragement for their colleagues. They danced across the finish lines and celebrated in style.
We are 75% of the way towards our goal of outfitting 1,000 rangers. Although one full kit costs $250:
- $25 can provide a quality shirt
- $60 can supply a sturdy pair of boots
- $100 can cover the cost of a field pack
We are so proud of this strong community you are helping us build, evident in their display of camaraderie and their generosity in wanting to support their fellow rangers across Africa.
Thank you for uniting with us all, and for supporting rangers in need.
Your support can go a long way
Donate to African Parks and help us outfit another 1,000 under-funded rangers with basic but critical gear. One kit costs just $250 and every dollar raised of any amount will go towards creating ranger kits. So far we have outfitted 750 rangers, will you help us outfit another 250?