Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana recently in Dete
WILDLIFE rangers from across the Hwange-Matetsi-Zambezi landscape joined conservation partners and supporters in a gruelling 21-kilometre challenge aimed at honouring rangers and raising awareness of the risks they face in protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge Day 2026, held at the Hwange National Park Main Camp on Saturday, saw four-person ranger teams take part in the endurance event, as part of a global campaign celebrating the men and women on the frontline of wildlife protection.
The challenge, which started at the Hwange National Park one-stop access pavilion, brought together ZimParks rangers, community scouts and conservation partners under the banner #ForWildlifeRangers.
Speaking at the event, ZimParks senior regional manager for the northwest Matabeleland region, Mr Samson Chibaya, said the challenge was more than a sporting event, as it highlighted the sacrifices made by rangers in the line of duty.
“Today, we were not just running 21 kilometres but we were running for a cause far greater than ourselves,” he said.
Chibaya said rangers remained the frontline defenders of the country’s wildlife heritage, often spending weeks away from their families while operating in dangerous and difficult conditions.
He said the event also provided an opportunity to raise funds for critical ranger welfare needs, including boots, uniforms, field rations, medical kits, training and insurance.
“Rangers are the heart of conservation. Rangers leave their families for weeks in the bush to protect our heritage,” he said.
The challenge also sought to promote physical fitness, teamwork and discipline among rangers, qualities Chibaya said were essential for effective patrols. He said bringing together rangers, community scouts and conservation organisations also helped strengthen collaboration and break down institutional silos.
Meanwhile, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) operations director, Mr David Kuvawoga commended the collaboration among conservation stakeholders and encouraged more organisations and communities to participate in initiatives supporting rangers.
He said continued engagement among conservation partners was important in strengthening support for those working on the frontline.
The annual Wildlife Ranger Challenge is a global campaign that celebrates wildlife rangers while raising vital funds for ranger teams protecting wildlife across Africa.
Every day, rangers protect endangered species, safeguard some of Africa’s most important landscapes and support communities living alongside wildlife. Their work is demanding, dangerous and essential.
Since its launch in 2020, the challenge has brought together thousands of rangers and supporters around the world in recognition of the resilience, professionalism and commitment of Africa’s wildlife rangers.
This year’s challenge was held on Saturday, 19 September, with four-person ranger teams racing over 21 kilometres across some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes while carrying the heavy packs they use during daily patrols.
The challenge is designed to give members of the public a glimpse into the physical demands faced by rangers during routine conservation patrols while generating support for their welfare.
Mr Chibaya said Zimbabwe’s participation also demonstrated solidarity with ranger teams across Africa and strengthened the country’s position within the broader international conservation movement.
“This positions Hwange National Park as a destination that invests in its rangers, which builds tourism confidence and donor trust.”
He paid tribute to the organisations and institutions that supported the Hwange event, including traditional leaders, PDC, Conservation and Wildlife Fund, Friends of Hwange, Dete Animal Rescue Trust, Forestry Commission, Mother Africa Trust, Hwange Safari Lodge and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), as well as tourism operators and other partners.
“Your partnership proves that conservation succeeds when institutions, communities and supporters unite around a shared purpose,” said Mr Chibaya.
He reiterated that ZimParks remained committed to working with partners to improve the welfare, safety and professional development of rangers.
