NRT Undertakes the 2022 Wildlife Ranger Challenge

Rangers are real-life heroes, working round the clock to protect and care for wildlife. In their multifaceted role, they also serve as teachers, community supporters, conservationists, researchers, leaders, and so much more!

On the 17th of September, a team of NRT rangers (Josphat, Saitoti, Abdullahi, and Emmanuel) joined 94 ranger teams from 16 African countries in gearing up for the 2022 Wildlife Ranger Challenge and running a 21-kilometer half marathon to raise much-needed funds to support their frontline conservation work.

Carrying 22-kilogram backpacks and braving northern Kenya’s sweltering heat and rugged terrain, the four rangers, drawn from NRT’s Mobile Unit, covered the 21-kilometer circuit within Lewa Conservancy in an impressive time of 02:31:39.

The half marathon was preceded by a series of mental and physical challenges, including a situps and pushups challenge, in which participants did as many perfect push-ups and sit-ups as they could in two minutes, and a rangers quiz that tested the rangers’ knowledge about wildlife and conservation.

Organized by Tusk, the annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge seeks to highlight the challenges rangers face and generate support for the thousands of heroes and heroines who protect Africa’s iconic wildlife and ecosystems.