Race day on September 20th was the culmination of the 2025 Wildlife Ranger Challenge, supporting wildlife rangers across Africa.

• 1,000+ rangers from 24 African countries to run 21km race to raise funds and profile
• HRH The Prince of Wales sends message of support ahead of ‘race day’
• Highlights the need to support rangers and professionalise the job to protect nature

Kafue, Zambia – 20 September 2025: At dawn, hundreds of rangers across Africa laced their boots, hoisted their 22kg backpacks, and set off across savannahs, forests, and coastlines in a synchronised show of strength and solidarity.

After weeks of training challenges, ‘Race Day’ in the 6th Wildlife Ranger Challenge took place, with final competitions held in four locations across the continent, including at Kafue National Park.

From the shadow of Mt Kenya, to the thundering Nile at Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, to the expansive plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, the 2025 Wildlife Ranger Challenge brings together over 1,000 rangers from 24 African countries in a 21-kilometre/13-mile test of endurance, symbolising the resilience, courage, and purpose that define the ranger profession.

Now in its sixth year, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, organised by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) with support from Mark Scheinberg, has become the largest continent-wide celebration of rangers. Since 2020, it has raised over $21 million for ranger welfare, training, and equipment, and has connected more than 11,500 rangers with global supporters and donors across more than 90 countries.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Tusk’s Royal Patron whose United For Wildlife initiative also supports African conservation, produced a film of support.

Across Africa, rangers patrol some of the planet’s most biodiverse and remote landscapes, working long hours often with limited equipment, minimal insurance, and life-threatening risks. A recent ranger survey revealed that 50% have no health insurance, 60% lack long-term disability cover, and most earn less than half the salary of local police officers.

The Challenge shines a light on the need to make the job of being a ranger more attractive to new recruits. Rangers often still patrol without life insurance, health coverage, or adequate training or gear. Rangering must become a profession that young people aspire to join and can sustain as a lifelong career. There are fewer than 300,000 rangers on active duty today, about 60,000 of them in Africa. But as many as 1.5 million are needed to meet global nature protection targets.

The 2025 WRC also coincides with the African Ranger Congress (ARC) taking place this week (17 – 21 September) in Kenya, a separate event focused on ranger policy, professionalisation, and long-term sector reform. While the WRC inspires public support and fundraising, the ARC is addressing the structural challenges rangers face, from employment protections to mental health, gender inclusion, and public financing.

“It’s very exciting to have the Wildlife Ranger Challenge taking place alongside the 3rd African Ranger Congress at the incredible Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Both events highlight the critical importance of supporting and uplifting the vital role rangers play in conservation. As we work together to improve ranger welfare and standards, we not only recognize rangers’ courage and dedication, but also commit to empower them with the tools and skills needed to safeguard Africa’s natural heritage. The power of unity and collaboration is the key to ensuring rangers have the necessary resources, support and recognition they deserve to continue their invaluable work.”

Louise de Bruin, Chief Executive at Game Rangers’ Association of Africa

As climate change intensifies, illegal wildlife trade escalates, and conservation budgets shrink, the urgency to professionalise and support Africa’s ranger workforce has never been greater. The Challenge seeks to respond to this by becoming more than a fundraising initiative: it aims to build a continental movement of solidarity among rangers and their allies across borders.

By amplifying their voices and driving global recognition, the Challenge is helping secure better working conditions, resources, and long-term welfare improvements for rangers across the continent.

Astrida Malambo, a Wildlife Police Officer with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Zambia, said rangers not only protect endangered wildlife, but they are also educators, first responders, peacekeepers, and environmental advocates.

“Being a ranger is about more than just anti-poaching. We support local schools, respond to floods, help with health emergencies, and resolve human-wildlife conflict. We are pillars of our communities.”

Astrida Malambo, Wildlife Police Officer

While rangers ran across Africa, thousands of supporters joined virtually, from London to Lagos, Cape Town to Copenhagen, running 21km in solidarity and raising funds for the cause.