In a thrilling competition held at Lewa Conservancy, Laikipia North Loisaba Conservancy (LNLS) emerged as the winners of the 2023 Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
The LNLS team completed the challenge in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 20 seconds, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.
Lewa Conservancy secured the second position with a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 56 seconds, followed by Mugie Conservancy in third place, finishing at 2 hours, 42 minutes, and 13 seconds.
This exciting event, sponsored by Tusk Trust and the Game Ranger Association of Africa (GRAA), brought together over 1,500 ranger runners and 65 teams from 16 African countries. Participants engaged in mental and physical challenges as they took on the half marathon challenge. The primary objective was to raise funds to add to the USD16 million already collected by the initiative in its first three years.
Teams from various conservancies and organizations participated, including Mountain Bongo Surveillance, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Northern Rangeland Trust, Karisia Walking Safaris, Ol Jogi Conservancy, and many more. The challenge pushed the rangers to their limits, with each participant carrying a 22-kilogram ranger bag throughout the race.
Franco Kasana, a member of the victorious Loisaba Conservancy team, expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the rigorous training they underwent for two months.
He highlighted the mental and physical strength required to be a ranger and how the challenge further fortified their resolve.
Daniel Yiankere, a security manager at Loisaba Conservancy, praised the sponsors for organizing the event and commended his team’s outstanding performance.
He noted that the challenge added significant value to the lives of the rangers, who are at the forefront of African conservation.
Tusk Trust Programme Director Sarah Watson acknowledged all the participants and highlighted the importance of the challenge. She explained that the initiative was established during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to support rangers across Africa who had lost their jobs due to the decline in tourism and funding.
The challenge not only raised funds but also raised awareness about the well-being of rangers, who play a crucial role in African conservation efforts.
Since its inception in 2020, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has raised over USD16 million, benefiting rangers across Africa and contributing to the conservation of forests worldwide.
