Wildlife rangers across Africa will run on Saturday (October 3) to raise funds to help fellow rangers.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, organised by African Parks, will see a team of 1 000 rangers running a cumulative distance of 21 000km to help outfit 1 000 non-African Parks rangers with not only basic, but critical, gear.

Throughout lockdown periods across the continent, wildlife rangers have remained on duty protecting Africa’s wildlife and environment – essential parts of the continent’s tourism industry. To properly carry out this job a ranger needs a sturdy pair of shoes, quality field shirt and pants, a water filter, first aid kit and a light pack.

One of these kits costs US$250 and 100% of proceeds raised will go towards rangers who need them the most.

Supporters can follow the campaign on Africa Parks’ social media platforms and can train ‘virtually’ with the rangers – or simply cheer them on. Look out for the hashtag #ForWildlifeRangers.