RANGERS
The 500,000 acres of land that make up the Wildlife Works project area are patrolled by our 100 plus Wildlife Works Rangers. They are all locally hired and trained by our team. They must pass fitness tests to be hired and continue their physical and medical training on the job. Most rangers are stationed in 8-person bunker posts deep in the bush with no electricity, with wildlife surrounding them. After years of service, these rangers get to know the landscape and wildlife intimately. They can spot a sliver of a lion's mane over a rock in the far distance and hear the low, deep grumble of an elephant hiding in thick bush at night. Meet some of our rangers here.
In March of 2011, Wildlife Works welcomed our first-ever female rangers to the team of rangers. They have been invaluable team members.
We believe in unarmed security, read this message from our founder on why. When there is an armed poaching threat, we partner with armed rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service to apprehend the poachers and we have access to KWS wildlife vets to treat injured animals. We are also very grateful to the Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation who pick up and look after any orphaned baby elephants we rescue.
In memory of fallen Rangers
Rangers put their lives on the line every day to protect wildlife and the landscapes they call home.
Jema Funan, a veteran ranger at Wildlife Works, has spent over two decades on the frontlines of conservation, surviving some of the most dangerous moments in Kenya’s fight against poaching.
In January 2012, during a pursuit of poachers responsible for a wounded elephant, Jema and his colleague Abdullahi Mohammed fondly known as “GPS” for his exceptional tracking skills were both shot. Jema survived. Abdullahi did not. Jema continues to serve, carrying forward Abdullahi’s legacy and an unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife.
In 2020, Wildlife Works also lost two dedicated rangers, Joseph Ngeti and Jessica Njeri, who were fatally attacked by elephants in separate incidents while on duty. Their loss was deeply felt across the organization and the wider conservation community.
Joseph, a husband and father of three, served with Wildlife Works for 15 years. Rising from security guard to Corporal, he became a respected leader, instructor, and mentor known for his professionalism, humility, and commitment to ranger welfare and training.
Jessica joined Wildlife Works in 2017 and quickly distinguished herself through her discipline, leadership, and determination. As a data clerk and emerging team leader, she played a vital role in wildlife monitoring and championed collaboration with local communities in conservation efforts.
Wildlife Works continues to honor their bravery, dedication, and service.
In photos, from top the late Jessica Njeri, the late Joseph Ngeti (centre left) and the late Abdi Abdulahi. Jema Funan (bottom), the current Senior Security Liason who survived the poachers attack. Read about his encouraging story here.