A photo of Giraffes. Photo from pexels-veronika-andrews-
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2025 has officially launched, uniting more than 170 ranger teams from 24 African countries in a months-long campaign that blends endurance, solidarity, and social investment in conservation.
The initiative will culminate on September 20 with a synchronised 21-kilometre race, where rangers will run in full gear carrying 22-kilogram backpacks—an intense demonstration of the physical and mental demands of their daily work.
Since its inception in 2020, the Challenge has become the largest annual celebration of Africa’s rangers, raising over $21 million to date.
These philanthropic funds directly support ranger welfare, advanced training, insurance, modern equipment, and innovative conservation solutions that strengthen both ecosystems and communities.
Organised by Tusk and the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA), and backed by founding donor Mark Scheinberg, this year’s Challenge puts rangers at the centre not just as guardians of wildlife, but as community leaders.
“Rangers are much more than guardians of wildlife. They are embedded in their communities, protecting ecosystems, responding to emergencies, supporting livelihoods, and fostering peace,” said Nick Bubb, Chief Executive at Tusk.
“By running with them, funding them, and telling their stories, we are investing in biodiversity, climate resilience, and community security.”
The philanthropic drive behind the Challenge will be amplified this year by a $1.4 million matching fund, ensuring every dollar donated has double the impact.
Supporters worldwide are invited to contribute, run in solidarity, or share ranger stories through www.wildliferangerchallenge.
The event also connects with the African Ranger Congress, taking place from September 17–21 at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
While the Challenge builds public momentum through solidarity and storytelling, the Congress focuses on policy, professionalisation, fair employment standards, and long-term investment in ranger welfare.
According to Louise de Bruin, Chief Executive of GRAA, this partnership highlights both the philanthropic and systemic aspects of conservation:
“These men and women are not just protectors of wildlife; they are leaders at the frontline of conservation, safeguarding ecosystems, supporting communities, and driving solutions for people and the planet. Collaboration is key—together, we can do more for rangers, for people, and for our planet.”
The philanthropic focus extends to ensuring inclusivity.
Rachel Sibanda, a ranger from the Great Plains Biodiversity Ranger in Zambezi, noted:
“The involvement of female rangers in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge highlights their endurance, survival skills, and physical and mental health. It raises awareness about the critical work they do in protecting the natural world.”
Similarly, Ezekiel Loserian, a ranger with African People & Wildlife in Tanzania, stressed the community-driven nature of the initiative:
“Winning the Challenge has made us proud. It shows what community rangers can achieve with discipline, teamwork, and a strong heart for conservation. This challenge continues to push us forward.”
As the world works toward the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 target to conserve 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge demonstrates how philanthropy, social investment, and global solidarity can power conservation.
By funding rangers, sharing their stories, and joining in their endurance, supporters are not only backing individuals on the frontline, they are investing in Africa’s future, in biodiversity, and in the communities whose survival depends on it.
