On August 27th, our Tumaren rangers spotted a male giraffe with a spear buried deep in his flank. There was no time to waste. Our rangers under the leadership of Rashid and Kechine, immediately alerted the Naibunga Conservation Rangers and the Kenya Wildlife Vet Unit, who responded immediately. The giraffe was immobilized, the spear removed, and his wounds treated.

One giraffe saved.

It is a small story in the enormous business of African conservation, but that is exactly why it matters. Our rangers are out there every day, walking the 13,000 acres of our conservation area, watching for wildlife, helping prevent wildlife conflict, and responding when something goes wrong. Most of what they do never makes a newsletter. There is usually no photographs, no cheering crowds and no viral internet moment. Just long days on patrol and the responsibility of looking after the wildlife in their care.

This brings us to the Wildlife Rangers Challenge: In only a few days, on September 19th, the Wildlife Rangers Challenge (WRC) will again take place across Africa. Organized by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa, it is a unique test of endurance designed to raise crucial funds for the rangers who protect Africa's wildlife.

And once again, Tumaren will be represented by our ranger team of Kanunga, Ali, James and Torotich.

Together with our partners, Lion Landscapes, we are working to protect the lions of Laikipia, a landscape that is home to around 245 individuals. Across Africa, lion numbers have fallen by 43% in just two decades, and lions now occupy only around 8% of their historic range. Habitat loss, fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict remain their principal threats.

But protecting lions is only part of the story. The giraffe above is a useful reminder that conservation goes far beyond a single species. The same rangers who help protect lions are also watching over giraffes, elephants, zebra, wild dogs, birds, and all the wonderfully less glamorous creatures that make up a healthy ecosystem.

This year, we'd like to raise $3,000 for the Wildlife Rangers Challenge which can help our rangers with supplies, uniforms, boots, camelbacks, and training for surveying wildlife.

There is also an especially good reason to give: your donation will be matched by the Sheinberg Relief Fund. For every $100 donated that money goes directly to our rangers and an additional $100 will be given to WRC, $25 to us and $75 to WRC partners who need it the most.

If you have ever walked with us at Tumaren, watched a lion from the back of a vehicle, followed a giraffe across the plains, or simply enjoyed knowing that wild places are being looked after, this is a chance to give something back.

Please consider supporting Kanunga, Ali, James and Torotich — and, more importantly, the rangers who spend their days protecting the wildlife we all cherish.

Every contribution helps.

Please donate through the link below and help us reach our $3,000 goal.

With much gratitude,

Jamie, Kerry, Kanunga, Ali, James and Torotich

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