Helen from Wildlife Worldwide and her partner Mike are proud to be joining others in the African travel industry to raise funds in support of African rangers and wildlife by joining Ride4Rangers.

Across the world, every one of us is experiencing the impact of COVID-19. In Africa, the collapse of tourism has had a devastating economic impact, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people, as well as the future of the continent's iconic wildlife such as elephant, rhino, lion and pangolin.

Money to pay rangers in some of worlds' flagship wildlife areas in Africa is simply not there. The conservation bodies in prized wilderness areas such as Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, Tanzania's Serengeti, South Africa's Kruger and many more, are struggling to pay the salaries of the rangers who are the first line of defence. The rangers are enduring drastic cuts in salaries and resources due to the devastating economic impact of the COVID pandemic, but they are still working tirelessly to safeguard the continents iconic wildlife.

During the month of September, a team of us at Wildlife Worldwide have pledged to cycle 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometres) – the length of Africa – to raise money for Ride4Rangers. The money that we raise will go directly towards supporting the salaries and deployment of African rangers during this crisis and, through an incredible initiative supported by Tusk, every penny will be match funded. So, if we raise £5,000, the rangers will receive £10,000, doubling the impact of every donation. The overall aim of Tusk is to put U$10 million into the field to support rangers over the course of the next nine months – and we would like to do our bit to show our support.

Here’s how your support could help…

£100 could purchase a GPS enabled camera to monitor wildlife

£200 could fund a Lion Guard Rangers salary for a month

£250 could provide materials needed to build a predator-proof livestock enclosure

£500 could sponsor a 4-person anti-poaching team in the field for a month.

Thanks for your support!

PS: Towards the end of September, Helen and Mike were taking a break in Scotland and so built their miles through hiking challenges!

UPDATE: THE WILDLIFE WORLDWIDE TEAM EXCEEDED 6000 MILES FOR THE RANGERS! It's not too late to donate if you wish to support the cause. Thank you!