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World Ranger Day celebrated at the EWTs Medike Nature Reserve

World Ranger Day celebrated at the EWTs Medike Nature Reserve

In the field

World Ranger Day celebrated at the EWTs Medike Nature Reserve

By Joe Razwinani, Medike Reserve & Hospitality Manager
 

World Ranger Day braai celebration with rangers and families

 

Rangers and support staff at the EWTs Medike Game Reserve in the Soutpansberg marked World Ranger Day on 31 July by demonstrating their abilities and versatility of their work, and sharing insights about their experiences.

World Ranger Day, this year held under the theme “Rangers Powering Transformation”, annually commemorates rangers who have died in the line of duty, honours the hard work and dedication of rangers, and fosters greater understanding and appreciation for the work they do among staff, their families, and local community members.

At Medike as short programme was designed to address ranger’s families and community members with the aim of educating them about the multifaceted role of a ranger. The programme aimed to shed light on daily ranger duties, promote professional growth, and strengthen the connection between conservation efforts and local communities.

The 2025 Ranger Day celebration began with a ranger drilling demonstration to showcase the discipline, coordination, and teamwork required in field operations. This was followed by individual presentations from rangers, each addressing specific topics. such as anti-poaching strategies, Veld Fire Control, Veld Restoration. Alien Invasive Species Removals, Eco-Tourism and Community Involvement. These presentations not only served as educational tools but also helped build the rangers’ confidence in public speaking. The presentations sparked meaningful dialogue and shifted long-standing perceptions regarding the work of rangers.

Visitors extended their gratitude to the EWT team at Medike for safeguarding the Soutpansberg Mountain. Many were surprised to learn that the mountain is the source of their drinking water. This discovery underscored the vital link between environmental conservation and everyday life. It also inspired greater respect for natural resources and reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship among community members.

One of the community representatives expressed his readiness to alert the EWT about the presence of poachers in nearby villages making a significant step towards integrated conservation efforts, where local residents play an active role in protecting wildlife against the illegal trade.

At the end rangers and their families enjoyed a braai courtesy of the EWTs Support Services who provided vouchers for the social gathering.

This celebration served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of conservation when communities are informed, engaged, and empowered.

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World Ranger Day – a celebration of our EWT conservation canine rangers

World Ranger Day – a celebration of our EWT conservation canine rangers

 

WORLD RANGER DAY – A CELEBRATION OF OUR EWT CONSERVATION CANINE RANGERS

Megan Murison. EWT Communications Officer, meganm@ewt.org.za

On the 31 July 2020, we celebrate World Ranger Day. This is a day to acknowledge the courageous rangers who risk their lives daily to protect our wildlife, and to commemorate the lives of those who have died fighting for this cause. This year we would like to celebrate the lives and work of our Conservation Canine rangers, particularly the two amazing dogs who passed away in June 2020, Fury and Annie.

Conservation Canine Fury worked with his handler, Shay Seebran, in the screening of vehicles for wildlife products and ammunition. Their two-year partnership included many happy memories and even a few occasions where Fury saved Shay’s life, such as when they encountered an elephant in the bush on a routine antipoaching patrol:

“Fury and I were patrolling towards an observation post approximately 8 km away, when we came across a very moody bull elephant. Despite everything I tried to defuse the situation and back away, the elephant made it clear that we had been in his comfort zone for too long, and that mock charging was not an option anymore. I unclipped Fury’s lead and chased him because I knew I was not going to outrun the elephant, nor did I want to shoot the animal. I guess Fury’s instinct kicked in and despite his size he charged at the elephant charging at me, putting himself between me and the elephant, miraculously stopping the elephant in his tracks and sending him fleeing in the opposite direction, leaving me speechless and in tears, thanking my K9 for saving my life”

-Shay Seebran

Travelling across South Africa as a team, they spent every second of the day together, leaving an everlasting footprint in the fight to save African wildlife. Fury, a legend in conservation and a well-known friend to many, has left his legacy to be carried on by many conservationists just like him. Losing him was a big loss to Shay and the EWT as a family.

 “The legend may be gone, but certainly not forgotten, and I appreciate your service, rest in power son.”

-Shay Seebran

Conservation Canine Annie was sponsored by the EWT and trained at the Southern African Wildlife College. This is where she met her handler, Colin Patrick. Annie was trained to track, and her job was to follow up on poacher spoor at both fence incursions and away from crime scenes. Her legacy is proof that she was a true hero.  Annie and her handler Colin were one of the first K9 Conservation teams to develop the ability to track down suspects at night, which changed the game in the fight against rhino poaching, and the team became highly successful at tracking down and arresting suspects. She assisted with over 17 arrests, one of which was a 13 hour follow up, during which they tracked poachers for 43.5 km to successfully apprehend the suspects. An extremely loyal conservation canine since 2018, she never left Colin’s side and travelled with him wherever he went.

“Their bond was unbreakable and one in a million and all were amazed by their connection”.

-Becky Patrick

 “It was a privilege and honour to be a part of Annie’s life, to call her my partner and friend. Thank you, Annie, for your dedication and loyalty. Your legacy is an inspiration to all conservationists.”

-Colin Patrick

Fury’s work was funded by U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Tourvest and supported by Royal Canin and Boehringer-Ingelheim. Annie’s work was supported by the EWT through sponsorship from the Relate Trust, MyPlanetRhino, Platinum Life, Royal Canin and Boehringer-Ingelheim, and a big thanks to Tomlin’s family for their ongoing support of the EWT Conservation Canines.