Upcoming Ranger Event: London Marathon
African Parks has put together a team of eight rangers from different regions as “Team African Parks” to run the London Marathon on 23 April 2023.
The African Parks rangers have been competitively selected to represent their respective parks and will be trained in Akagera National Park in Rwanda by Australian triathlete Chris McCormack, one of endurance sport’s most iconic athletes.
© African ParksMeet our rangers participating at The London Marathon
© Laurel ChorLasuba Lokosa Jean-Paul joined Garamba National Park in the DRC as a ranger in 2018. He worked as a security guard in the park before passing the Basic Field Ranger Course and was then selected as an Officer during a subsequent course in 2019.
Ortencia Manuel was born in Vilankulo and attended Mucoque High School, where she participated in school athletics which is where she learnt to run. She was working as a merchant selling primary goods in the market but was deeply inspired by the soldiers and conservation rangers of Mozambique. She always has a keen interest in the protection of her country and its wildlife heritage. Her favorite animal is the Dugong, Bazaruto’s first protected and critically endangered marine mammal and an icon of the park. She was selected and trained in 2019 as part of African Park’s drive to improve law enforcement in and around the National Park and became one of seventeen female marine rangers. She plays football and runs during her leisure time.
© Laurel ChorPatrick Elinimo started as a ranger in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi, in 2018. In 2006, Patrick was chosen to compete in a marathon in Taiwan which he completed. In Nkhotakota he participates in long and short patrols with ease and was the first to complete a 32 km training run in the challenging terrain of the reserve.
© Laurel ChorJean Sekou is part of the Pendjari National Park Ranger team in Benin. Jean is from a village right on the periphery of the park, and represents the work of local communities who are protecting the park. He is deeply proud of his work for which he gives all his energy and dedication so that future generations can enjoy a better life.
© Laurel ChorOkodoma Matongo Dieudonne joined Garamba National Park in the DRC as a ranger in 2018. He worked as a security guard in the park before passing the Basic Field Ranger Course and was then selected as Officer during a subsequent course in 2019.
© Laurel ChorRoland Phiri joined Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi as a junior ranger in 2017. During his Basic Training he completed a short run of 2,4 km in just 2 minutes 9 seconds. He quickly developed a habit of running every day when he is not on patrol. Despite his short tenure at Majete he has successfully led several patrols and shows a deep appreciation for his work.
© Laurel ChorDjalouoli Malidja is a ranger in Pendjari National Park in Benin. He is from a village on the periphery of the park, and represents the work of local communities who are protecting this park. He is deeply proud of his work for which he gives all his energy and dedication so that future generations can enjoy a better life.
Numwa Numwa comes from Kashengwano village in Liuwa constituency, Kalabo District. Numwa is from a family of six, and he’s the third born. Growing up, Numwa wanted to join the military wing. Instead, he joined African Parks as a village scout on July 1, 2021. He enjoys running and playing football when he is not working. He hopes to improve his career by advancing his education in the future. Numwa’s biggest dream is to one day be recognised as a great runner and lift Liuwa’s and Zambian flag high.