A ranger’s dedication to Zimbabwe’s wildlife

IN a story that defies the imaginable and touches the depths of the human spirit, one woman has emerged from the shadows of tragedy not only to share her tale of loss but also to inspire others alike.

Imagine the horror of losing a parent and the devastating image of his lifeless body trampled by an elephant.

This is the heart-breaking reality that has spurred Gracious Kayungwa (35) on a journey of healing and hope.

Reflecting on this traumatic experience, Gracious said losing her father is a pain no words can adequately capture. Her father was a ranger stationed at Gonarezhou National Park in Masvingo province when he met his unfortunate fate some years ago.

“To see him in such a gruesome circumstance is a haunting memory that will forever linger in the depths of my soul. My father died in the line of duty. He was a ranger and was good at his job but unfortunately died at the hands of what he was protecting — our wildlife,” Gracious said.

The emotion in these words hints at the depth of sorrow and trauma that she has endured. However, amid the darkness, a glimmer of light shone on her as she decided to take up from where her father left off. Through the pain and heartache, Gracious has found the strength to navigate through the labyrinth of grief and emerge on the other side with a new found sense of resilience.

“While the road to healing is long and arduous, I have found solace in the memories of my father and the unwavering support of those around me. Their love has been my guiding light in the darkest of times. As a child, it was exciting to see my father return home from work clad in his green ranger uniform. I always pondered what exactly he did, and it was only after his death that I realised what he was doing,” said Gracious.

She said in honour of her late father she decided to join the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) and was among the pioneering female rangers. Gracious who is now nine years old with Zimparks, said because of her passion for conservation and love for nature, she is enjoying her career of protecting the wildlife and natural beauty of Zimbabwe’s national parks.

“I have always been fascinated by the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation. Being able to work in a place like Matopos National Park is a dream come true for me and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of this stunning environment,” Gracious said.

She said since becoming a ranger, she has gained immense knowledge about Mother Nature and its inhabitants. “There is a lot of work, and it is always exciting. We perform duties such as preparing fire guards, law enforcement and recording animal data as well as tracing their movement patterns,” said Gracious.

She said amid all the excitement of nature, there are dangers that lurk everywhere. “We face dangers when we hunt down poachers. Sometimes coming face-to-face with a wild animal is as terrifying as it is exciting. Here in Matopos, the black rhino is very aggressive and we always have to be careful,” she said.

Gracious’ background in environmental science and her dedication to wildlife preservation make her a valuable addition to the ranger team at the national park. Her commitment to safeguarding the park’s rich biodiversity aligns perfectly with the park’s conservation efforts and goals.

“Every day brings new challenges and experiences in the field and I am grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on the wildlife.

“Seeing these incredible animals up close and working to ensure their protection is incredibly fulfilling,” said Gracious.

Matopos National Park, known for its unique rock formations, diverse flora and abundant wildlife, presents a dynamic and engaging environment for rangers like Gracious to thrive in their conservation efforts. With her passion for nature and dedication to wildlife protection, Gracious says she is eager to make a difference in the preservation of this exceptional ecosystem.

“Working in the park allows me to witness first-hand the beauty and fragility of our natural world.

“I am committed to upholding the park’s conservation values and ensuring a sustainable future for the wildlife that calls this place home,” said Gracious.