An Incredible All-Woman Army Is Protecting Elephants from Poachers in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, a group of unbelievably brave women is making a huge difference in the protection of the elephants in the country. These devoted ladies have made it their life’s mission to protect these majestic beasts from poachers who are working hard to make them extinct. A video recently surfaced that tells the story of the Akashinga and it’s gaining viewers and supporters from all over the world. Animal lovers everywhere are applauding these women whose bravery may just help save the country’s embattled elephant population. The women actually serve as rangers. in the Phundundu Wildlife Area that’s located in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley.
This specific area of land used to be a popular region for people who were trophy hunting, but now, the area’s wildlife is under the protection of anti-poaching laws. As it turns out, that’s where Akashing comes in and their story is inspiring. It’s about the dedication that comes when a group of people comes together to protect a species. These women are true survivors and their bravery is impressive. What they’re doing for the elephants of Zimbabwe is truly impressive and praise-worthy. However, the majority of the women in Akashinga are survivors themselves and come from abusive relationships.
Founder, former Australian special forces soldier, and anti-poaching leader @damienmander gives an inspirational speech to prospective trainees. Stream #Akashinga: The Brave Ones for free on World Elephant Day Aug 12 at https://t.co/CDsbQ2YosD @IAPF pic.twitter.com/SKde3WpiiE
— Nat Geo Channel (@NatGeoChannel) August 11, 2020
They were able to overcome their own hardship and put their passion to work to save a mighty beast that has become vulnerable from a different kind of abuser. The BBC says that this group of rangers works as part of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, which is responsible for managing Zimbabwe’s anti-poaching efforts. The organization’s name, Akashinga, is the actual word for “Brave Ones” in the local language of Shona. These brave women love animals and they want to do their part to save one of their region’s national treasures, the elephant.
YOU DID IT!
— Damien Mander (@DamienMander) August 17, 2020
Thank you to everyone one of you for sharing our @NatGeo documentary, AKASHINGA: THE BRAVE ONES. Nearly 2 MILLION people have watched it!
Be the force to help the Akashinga rangers protect more wildlife by donating https://t.co/O77w8qrPAK
Image: @AdrianSteirn pic.twitter.com/Mgg4L2fcsi
Their story is drawing attention from all over the world, with people calling them heroes in their own right. Watch this video from National Geographic below.
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