To protect wildlife, we must first protect people. THE RANGERS.
"Rangers are uncertain of what the future is. And yet, wildlife depends on them, and any of us who care about wildlife, we depend on them too. And the rangers depend upon us."—Jane Goodall
A silent killer stalks in the wake of the pandemic that is ravaging our world. And our wild places and all the animals who call it home are not as protected as they should be. The COVID-19 global lockdown has crippled tourism, a critical source of conservation funding that pays the salaries of the brave men and women in the anti-poaching units. They are the frontline in protecting our rhinos and other endangered species.
However, no tourism means no funds.
We must work together to ensure that these wildlife first responders are empowered to protect our natural heritage as well as their families and communities. Please help us keep them employed and the animals protected.
The Ranger Relief Fund is raising funds to support under-resourced anti-poaching units on the ground in Africa during this crisis, providing much needed financial aid, equipment and supplies to those who need it most.
Please help us support these heroes of conservation.
The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation has contributed US $15,000 to kickstart the Ranger Relief Fund!
All images used with the kind permission of Brent Stirton/Getty Images (c).
How it works:
1. Make a donation to the fund.
2. The fund is administered through the audited Shannon Elizabeth Foundation 501(c)(3).
3. Anti-poaching units and at-risk reserves with rangers are invited to apply for grants.
4. The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation Ranger Relief Fund will award grants based on urgency, evaluation and in accordance with our application criteria, terms & conditions. This application process is available upon request at info@shannonelizabeth.org.
*We have already supplied 50 rangers at Care For Wild with hats, gloves and scarves for the winter.
All images used with the kind permission of Brent Stirton/Getty Images ©.