Help Support Female Ranger Teams in Africa

Practically a one-woman band, Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli single-handedly founded the Gibbon Conservation Society a decade ago after a chance meeting with ‘Ellek,’ a confiscated infant gibbon. Despite her lack of knowledge, Bam volunteered to care for Ellek and learned everything she could about gibbons.

In a bold move to rescue other distressed gibbons, Bam sold all her possessions and relocated to a secluded estate, crafting a sanctuary that mimics their natural environment. Her outspoken criticism of gibbon ownership provoked backlash, with some villagers calling her a ‘witch’.

Yet despite enduring a decade of relentless challenges, Bam’s determination has forged a resilient organization: The Gibbon Conservation Society. Today, as the proud recipient of the inaugural World Female Ranger Resilience Award, Bam runs two rehabilitation projects to support gibbons and create livelihood opportunities for women and Indigenous people.

Recently, her efforts led to a breakthrough: A pair of gibbons successfully relearned wild behaviors and reproduced. “To create change in wildlife conservation, tangible actions and sustainable partnerships between organizations, women and Indigenous communities need to be applied,” she says.

Founder of How Many Elephants, Holly Budge, launched the World Female Ranger Award in 2021 in conjunction with her pioneering initiative, World Female Ranger Week (June 23-30th). Holly and her team have identified over 5500 female rangers around the world. Holly says, “We are delighted to give recognition to female rangers, plus providing grants sponsored by How Many Elephants. I have seen the tangible impact female rangers are making worldwide, protecting wildlife, uplifting communities, and empowering women."

Your donations have played a crucial role in the growth and success of female rangers, enabling them to make a significant impact on the conservation of wildlife and habitats. Thank you.

Links:

• World Female Ranger Week Website

Our inaugural World Female Ranger ‘Leadership’ Award winner is Caroline Olory, the first female Conservator of Park for the National Park Service in Nigeria.

Through Caroline’s efforts, alongside her team, she has improved park protection and conservation in Cross River National Park and Old Oyo National Park. Caroline has increased the involvement of women in decision-making in communities surrounding the parks and has strengthened park/community relationships with state governments and NGOs. She is a role model to girls in the surrounding communities and schools, piquing their interest in education and conservation. Often referred to as the “Iron Lady,” Caroline has delivered talks on the role of women in wildlife conservation to many university students in Nigeria.

“Thank you for recognizing the work we do as female rangers, protecting our biodiversity in Nigeria alongside our male counterparts. It is not easy in the midst of men, many of whom still think the place of women should remain in the kitchen,” says Caroline.

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, an ambassador for World Female Ranger Week, says, “gender equity in the conservation arena is such an important and prevalent topic. There is still much work to do but the World Female Ranger Awards play a key role in raising awareness of the work of female rangers and women in conversation in the broader picture.”

Founder of How Many Elephants, Holly Budge, launched the World Female Ranger Awards in 2021 in conjunction with her pioneering initiative, World Female Ranger Week (June 23-30th). Holly and her team have identified over 5500 female rangers around the world. Holly says, “We are delighted to give recognition to female rangers, plus providing grants sponsored by How Many Elephants. I have seen the tangible impact female rangers are making worldwide, protecting wildlife, uplifting communities, and empowering women. I salute all our award winners. Thank you for the vital work you are doing to protect wildlife."

Your donations have played a crucial role in the growth and success of female rangers in Africa, enabling them to make a significant impact on the conservation of wildlife and habitats. Thank you.

Links:

• Project Impact Report
• How Many Elephants Website
• World Female Ranger Week Website