Formation | 2017 |
---|---|
Founder | Damien Mander |
Purpose | Anti-poaching |
Region served | Zimbabwe |
Parent organization | International Anti-Poaching Foundation |
The Akashinga Rangers is an all-female anti-poaching group in Zimbabwe. The group is the subject of a 2020 documentary titled Akashinga: The Brave Ones.
Akashinga was founded in 2017. [1] The women of Akashinga were recruited by Australian conservationist Damien Mander, founder of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). The original 16 Akashinga were recruited to be conservation officers for Phundundu Wildlife Park. [2] The word Akashinga means "the brave ones" in Shona. [3] The Akashinga Rangers are an arm of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). [4]
In contrast to other all-female anti-poaching groups such as the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, the rangers of Akashinga are armed. [3] Since 2017, the group has arrested hundreds of poachers. [4]
Many of the Akashinga Rangers are vegan. [5] [3] Many of the Akashinga are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault. [6]
In March 2017, two rangers and a male trainer drowned while crossing a river. [3]
The short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones was directed by Maria Wilhelm. It was produced by Kim Butts, Drew Pulley, and Wilhelm and was executive produced by James Cameron. Akashinga: The Brave Ones premiered in 2020 at the EarthXFilm Festival. It was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was later broadcast on National Geographic. [8] Akashinga is also available to stream on YouTube. [4]
Formation | 2017 |
---|---|
Founder | Damien Mander |
Purpose | Anti-poaching |
Region served | Zimbabwe |
Parent organization | International Anti-Poaching Foundation |
The Akashinga Rangers is an all-female anti-poaching group in Zimbabwe. The group is the subject of a 2020 documentary titled Akashinga: The Brave Ones.
Akashinga was founded in 2017. [1] The women of Akashinga were recruited by Australian conservationist Damien Mander, founder of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). The original 16 Akashinga were recruited to be conservation officers for Phundundu Wildlife Park. [2] The word Akashinga means "the brave ones" in Shona. [3] The Akashinga Rangers are an arm of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). [4]
In contrast to other all-female anti-poaching groups such as the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, the rangers of Akashinga are armed. [3] Since 2017, the group has arrested hundreds of poachers. [4]
Many of the Akashinga Rangers are vegan. [5] [3] Many of the Akashinga are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault. [6]
In March 2017, two rangers and a male trainer drowned while crossing a river. [3]
The short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones was directed by Maria Wilhelm. It was produced by Kim Butts, Drew Pulley, and Wilhelm and was executive produced by James Cameron. Akashinga: The Brave Ones premiered in 2020 at the EarthXFilm Festival. It was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was later broadcast on National Geographic. [8] Akashinga is also available to stream on YouTube. [4]