.The Rangers

Big Life employs hundreds of local Maasai rangers to protect the Greater Amboseli ecosystem.  Big Life’s rangers are expertly trained and well-equipped, working around-the-clock to protect and secure some of the world’s most iconic species and their habitats. 

the rangersWith animals constantly moving beyond protected park boundaries into unprotected areas with increasing human populations, the future for conservation will be determined by working closely with and supporting local communities. This is the heart of Big Life’s ethos: if conservation supports the local community, then the local community will support conservation.

These community rangers are the embodiment of that ethos and the heart of Big Life’s operations protecting wildlife and wild lands. They’re on the frontlines of conservation, operating in sometimes dangerous conditions, often away from their families for weeks at a time to protect some of earth’s most treasured wildlife.

Big Life’s rangers conduct extensive daily patrols on foot and by vehicle to gather intelligence, detect and intercept illegal activity, monitor activity via hidden field cameras, and use the latest night-vision and GPS technology to thwart poachers and prevent habitat destruction. Working alongside Kenya Wildlife Service and our network of informers from local communities, Big Life rangers are able to prevent most instances of poaching and successfully apprehend poachers who do manage to kill. Once poachers are apprehended, Big Life works with local prosecutors to ensure that they are punished to the fullest, and most appropriate, extent of the law.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WILDLIFE RANGER CHALLENGE

The #WildlifeRangerChallenge is the world’s largest celebration of solidarity, support, and fundraising for wildlife rangers. This year more than 100 teams of rangers spanning the African continent are taking part in a series of challenges, culminating in a grueling 21km race, in uniform while carrying 22kg backpacks.

This global campaign #ForWildlifeRangers is organized by our longtime partners at the Tusk Trust. It brings together competitors, rangers, family members, wildlife supporters, and social media followings 

Raise vital funds for frontline conservation efforts

Drive awareness of the importance of the role rangers play in conservation

Communicate the challenges that these brave men and women must face to protect Africa’s wildlife.

Since its inception five years ago, the WRC has raised $18 million for hundreds of African conservation organizations, including Big Life.

This year, the Scheinberg Relief Fund has generously committed $1 million in matched funds in support of rangers most in need.

To support Big Life in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, please visit this link. To learn more about this fa

Defenders of Amboseli: Celebrating Our Female Rangers

Herding goats can be tedious, and Constable Jane Tayiana did a lot of it growing up in a remote corner of Big Life’s operating area. The highlight of her days was watching the wild animals grazing nearby, and elephants in particular took her breath away.

She aspired to become a safari guide, but her path eventually led her to Big Life, where she has worked as a community ranger for two years now and loves the fact that she spends her days protecting the animals that she fell in in love with as a child.

Constable Faith Ntooki grew up in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills and is remarkably following in her father’s footsteps. He also worked as a Big Life ranger and instilled in her a passion for wildlife. He sadly passed when she was young, and she was on the verge of dropping out of school when her family couldn’t afford the fees.

Faith’s fortunes changed when she earned a scholarship from Big Life, thanks to the Capricorn Foundation, allowing her to complete her secondary schooling. By becoming a ranger, she is continuing to honor her father’s legacy.  

Both rangers are demonstrating to their local community, and the world, that they are just as capable of protecting Amboseli’s wildlife as their male counterparts. From anti-poaching patrols to preventing human-wildlife conflict, Big Life’s 10 female rangers are working for a more equitable society in a field dominated by men.

Supporting our rangers, including Constables Tayiana and Ntooki, with stable funding is crucial for safeguarding East Africa's wildlife, habitats, and Maasai communities. Please join our Ranger Club with a monthly contribution to sustain their efforts. Every contribution makes a difference!

New members or those increasing their July donation receive a special gift.  You’ll also enjoy exclusive program updates, 20% off Big Life merchandise in our e-store, and the satisfaction of directly impacting conservation efforts in East Africa. Thank you for your support! Photo: 

Herding goats can be tedious, and Constable Jane Tayiana did a lot of it growing up in a remote corner of Big Life’s operating area. The highlight of her days was watching the wild animals grazing nearby, and elephants in pa took her breath away.

She aspired to become a safari guide, but her path eventually led her to Big Life, where she has worked as a community ranger for two years now and loves the fact that she spends her days protecting the animals that she fell in in love with as a child.

Constable Faith Ntooki grew up in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills and is remarkably following in her father’s footsteps. He also worked as a Big Life ranger and instilled in her a passion for wildlife. He sadly passed when she was young, and she was on the verge of dropping out of school when her family couldn’t afford the fees.

Faith’s fortunes changed when she earned a scholarship from Big Life, thanks to the Capricorn Foundation, allowing her to complete her secondary schooling. By becoming a ranger, she is continuing to honor her father’s legacy.  

Both rangers are demonstrating to their local community, and the world, that they are just as capable of protecting Amboseli’s wildlife as their male counterparts. From anti-poaching patrols to preventing human-wildlife conflict, Big Life’s 10 female rangers are working for a more equitable society in a field dominated by men.

Supporting our rangers, including Constables Tayiana and Ntooki, with stable funding is crucial for safeguarding East Africa's wildlife, habitats, and Maasai communities. Please join our Ranger Club with a monthly contribution to sustain their efforts. Every contribution makes a difference!

New members or those increasing their July donation receive a special gift.  You’ll also enjoy exclusive program updates, 20% off Big Life merchandise in our e-store, and the satisfaction of directly impacting conservation efforts in East Africa. Thank you for your support! Photo: Joshua Clay

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