News

In celebration of World Ranger Day, South African National Parks (SANParks) is excited to congratulate the SANParks winners and runner up winners of this year's Rhino Conservation Awards, held on 31 July 2020. SANParks staff were awarded in the category for Best Game Ranger, Best Conservation Practitioner and Best Conservation Supporter.

SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni said, “We are extremely proud of these dedicated rangers. They are a shining example of the commitment and passion that our staff possess and I am honoured to call them colleagues and friends. Congratulations to Don English, SANParks Kruger National Park (KNP) Airwing, Albert Smith, SANParks Marula South Rangers and SANParks Environmental Crime Investigators.”

SANParks Marula Regional Ranger Don English won the Award for Best Game Ranger for his outstanding leadership in the KNP where against all odds, through sheer tenacity and persistence and with the support of his ranger teams, he has managed to lower rhino poaching activities year on year in the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The second runner up for this award went to SANParks Section Ranger, Albert Smith.

The Award for Best Conservation Practitioner went to SANParks KNP Airwing for their tireless support of rangers, veterinarians and researchers in protecting, saving, conserving and monitoring endangered species within the KNP and neighbouring protected areas. These pilots and their support staff are instrumental in many of the counter-poaching successes in the area. The first runner up was the SANParks Marula South Rangers.

Finally, the first runner up for the Best Conservation Supporter went to SANParks Environmental Crime Investigators. Mkenteni said biodiversity management is the bedrock of the national park system and everything else that we do takes its cue from the conservation foundation. Our Rangers and investigators are the custodians of this foundation and we are delighted that they are recognized for their hard work and dedication.

The Rhino Conservation Awards, hosted by the Game Rangers' Association of Africa give recognition to the leading role players in endangered species conservation and raise awareness of their amazing work. The Awards serve to motivate these dedicated men and women to keep fighting to ensure the survival of our endangered species for the benefit of all.

The Awards are made possible with the support of sponsors ZEISS and CNEI and endorsed by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation, is the Patron of the Rhino Conservation Awards.

“As International World Ranger Day celebrations come to an end, we salute all our rangers and honour those that have lost their lives fighting to protect our country's heritage. We appreciate your efforts and thank you. Keep fighting the good fight and know that we stand behind you 100%” concluded Mketeni.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications

Media Enquiries

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: [email protected]