With grit, determination, and unbeatable teamwork, the Lewa Lions have made headlines by dominating the 2024 Wildlife Ranger Challenge. Carrying 22 kgs of gear across a grueling 21km race, the Lewa Lions claimed the top spot in the region!
The 2024 Wildlife Ranger Challenge also marked a historic moment as the Lewa Lionesses became the first all-women ranger team to complete the race in northern Kenya. Their remarkable achievement shines a spotlight on the growing role of women in wildlife conservation, paving the way for future female rangers to follow in their footsteps.
Every step in the #WildlifeRangerChallenge isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about supporting a greater cause. Funds raised during the event directly benefit ranger teams across Africa, providing essential resources, improving working conditions, and empowering men and women who risk their lives to protect wildlife and landscapes.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge: A Lifeline for Rangers
Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge was created to keep wildlife rangers employed during the global crisis. Now an annual event, it celebrates solidarity, camaraderie, and resilience within the ranger profession.
Rangers participating in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge represent the vast diversity of the sector, serving as conservationists, educators, community leaders, and frontline protectors of wildlife. The event unites rangers from different backgrounds to pursue shared goals:
- Raising vital funds for frontline conservation efforts
- Increasing awareness of the importance of the ranger profession
- Highlighting the challenges rangers face daily