The 15th annual World Ranger Day is celebrated on 31 July 2022 and commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.
On home soil, game rangers stand up to poachers almost daily as they battle to end the decimation of wildlife species, ranging from the poaching of rhino and abalone to the illegal removal of plants such as cycads and Proteas.
Picture: Casey Pratt of Love Africa Marketing
This five-part mini-series created by Hill’s Pet Nutrition called Making CONTACT, celebrates the bravery of these amazing rangers and their K9s. ‘This heart-warming series not only recognises the amazing role that these dogs play in protecting our natural heritage but also their incredible handlers who, through their commitment to working with the dogs, are making a real difference in the fight against poaching,’ says Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
‘There are substantial costs involved with training, feeding and looking after the health of the K9 unit dogs and Hill’s Pet Nutrition has proudly been sponsoring the units with food, equipment and healthcare for the last decade,’ says Dr Fyvie.
South Africans are being called upon to help keep paws and boots on the ground by donating to the K9 anti-poaching units. Donations can be made here with all proceeds going to the SANParks K9 Unit and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife K9 Units.
Below is a short synopsis of each episode. They can be watched here.
Episode 1: Ghost Trail – companions formed on the ground
Episode 2: Life Line – the day-to-day operations of K9 units
Episode 3: Together United – highlights the importance of team efforts
Episode 4: S.E.A.M. team – the troubles with our oceans
Episode 5: Disconnect. Reconnect. – plug out and tap into nature
ALSO READ: A warrior has fallen – game ranger shot dead in Greater Kruger
