This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
On August 5th, 2019, Kenya's first all-female ranger unit, Team Lioness, made history by graduating from the Amboseli Conservation Academy Basic Field Ranger Course.
The team of eight women, part of the Olgulului Community Wildlife Rangers (OCWR), were officially commissioned to serve as guardians and protectors of wildlife and their communities on their traditional lands in one of East Africa's richest areas of biodiversity.
Team Lioness and the OCWR Rangers form the first line of defence for protecting and securing wildlife in the Olgulului-Ololarashi Group Ranch (OOGR) in Kajiado County.
One of the team members, Purity Amlesest, a jovial Lioness, oozed confidence and pride as she shared her story of how she overcame her mother's initial doubts to become a ranger.
Patrick Papatiti, Director of Operations in Olulugului, praised the team, saying, 'the perception that girls cannot do some things has been thwarted by this team.'
Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), emphasized the importance of working with communities, saying, 'we focus on tourism, security, and investment in the area, to benefit the communities.'
Downes also handed over a base to the rangers, thanking them for their work and support.
