Celebrating World Ranger Day with Zambia’s Wildlife Conservation Heroes
Friday 31st July was celebrated worldwide as World Ranger Day. Every year this day is set aside to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary work of the men and women at the front line of wildlife conservation. It is also commemorated to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
In the past four years Zambia has noted two accomplished wildlife police officers who have received international recognition for their work in protecting wildlife. To commemorate World Ranger Day this year, they gave advice to fellow officers.
Mr Solomon Chidunuka was the first Zambian to be awarded the Tusk Ranger Award. He is the Senior Warden for Muchinga Province and has worked in conservation for 31 years since joining the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in 1989. Some of the areas Mr Chidunuka has worked in include Zambia’s biggest national park – Kafue National Park and,the Lower Zambezi National Park. Mr Chidunuka has greatly influenced change in both these areas.
He encourages fellow wildlife officers to practice discipline, be hard working and be committed to their work because this is important for the present and the future generations to enjoy the benefits of wildlife.
Another internationally recognized conservation hero in Zambia is Mr Benson Kanyembo who was also awarded the Tusk Wildlife award in 2019. Mr Kanyembo’s journey in conservation started in 1994 when he joined the North Luangwa Conservation Project. Three years later he moved to the DNPW. In 2003 he worked on Zambia’s first Rhino Protection Unit (RPU) and he now holds the position of Law Enforcement Adviser for Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in Mfuwe.
Mr Kanyembo’s message for this year’s World Ranger Day is to remain committed to the task of protecting wildlife despite the hardships and limitations that may come up.
Our Wildlife Officers have a critical role to play in conservation. These women and men risk their lives everyday combating wildlife crime to ensure our protected areas are sustained and remain protected. We celebrated this year’s World Ranger Day by appreciating their huge contribution to Zambia’s wildlife conservation.