Wildlife Ranger Challenge a cinch for Somkhanda game rangers
These rangers support Somkhanda's specialised anti-poaching unit
Somkhanda Community Game Reserve rangers put their best feet forward when they joined 124 ranger teams from across Africa in the 2021 Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
Launched in July ahead of World Ranger Day, the multi-million dollar fundraising challenge consisted of a series of build-up activities, including push-ups, sit-ups and wildlife quizzes, and culminated in the finals last weekend.
The rangers had to complete a gruelling 21km run in full ranger uniform across rough terrain.
The Somkhanda team finished their race in a time of 3:02:21, a commendable effort considering they had been tracking, darting, de-horning and collaring rhino in the run-up to the challenge.
Wildlife charity Tusk and its partners initiated the Wildlife Ranger Challenge after poaching incidents were recorded as being on the increase since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The goal of the campaign is to raise funds to support thousands of men and women on the frontline of Africa’s protected areas, safeguarding the continent’s iconic wildlife for years to come.
The Somkhanda team was made up of five rangers – Sibusiso Mathe, Robert and Sanele Mabaso, Vincent Gumbi and Pierre Barau, who ran with his dog Vodka.
These rangers support Somkhanda’s specialised anti-poaching unit, and face many challenges in their day-to-day work on the reserve.
Supporters of Somkhanda Community
Game Reserve can still show their support by donating to these efforts until 30 September.
Donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/somkhanda-game-reserve-wildlands-2021
