WILDLIFE RANGER CANINE CHALLENGE

 Rangers generate buy-in for wildlife conservation efforts and healthy ecosystems to ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of their communities. Your support provides the opportunity for rangers to become conservation ambassadors within their communities and demonstrate that being a ranger is NOT just about ‘men with guns’. Rangers are men and women who conduct lessons at local schools and engage in workshops with local communities to raise awareness about best practices in protected areas. Africa’s unique biodiversity is an asset that must be protected and preserved for the benefit of future generations, and wildlife rangers are the front line of defense. 

 The Wildlife Ranger Challenge has had a remarkable and transformative impact across the African continent, raising $16 million since 2020. In 2022, over 2,000 rangers and 117 teams from 77 protected areas containing 60 million hectares of wildlife landscape across 24 African countries came together in a series of physical challenges to raise awareness for the ranger sector and the vital work they do. African wildlife rangers register to participate in winter and then train in spring. After summertime mini-challenges, the campaign culminates with a grueling half-marathon for rangers in September, each carrying 22 kgs (almost 50 lbs.) on their backs. Last year, they were supported by 882 runners participating ‘virtually’ from 56 countries around the world – and reached an audience of over 100 million on social media and 1.4 billion via press and broadcast media. Most international public support comes from the US. 

 Raised funds provide support to the following, in addition to building solidarity and skills: 

• Salaries & Insurance 

• Equipment, Welfare & Safety 

• Fitness & Training 

• Collaboration Fund & Mentorship Program 

• Education Outreach