Thousands of wildlife rangers came together over the summer to participate in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.

Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 with the goal of keeping wildlife rangers employed through the crisis, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has grown into an annual celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the ranger profession.

Racing across Africa’s protected areas, wildlife rangers united on 20th September 2025 to compete in a coordinated 21km race across their respective landscapes carrying 22kg of kit. Joined by supporters from around the globe, running in solidarity #ForWildlifeRangers. This followed weeks of gruelling training challenges including a ranger quiz, press up challenges, push up challenges and a time trial run.

Over the course of the challenge, we’ve seen an incredible swell of public support for wildlife rangers and this has been reflected in the event raising an incredible $3.2 million to support rangers. A milestone amount to help fund ranger safeguarding, welfare, operational development and ongoing training and support.

Made possible through public support & donations and generous match-funding from our founding funding partner Mark Scheinberg and the Disney Conservation Fund, this year’s event will make a lasting difference to wildlife rangers.

The sense of community and comradeship demonstrated by the many rangers from across Africa participating in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has created a united front for wildlife and the people who live and work to protect it.