Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award
An award to recognise the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field on a daily basis to protect Africa’s wildlife.
This award gives international recognition to the men and women who face danger every day to protect Africa’s wildlife. Rangers often work for little reward, risking and regularly losing their lives to protect the world’s wildlife and its fragile ecosystems.
Previous winners have included Edward Ndiritu from Kenya (2015), Manuel Sacaia from Angola (2016), Solomon Chidunuka from Zambia and Lucky Ndlovu from South Africa(2017), Julius Obwona from from Uganda (2018), Benson Kanyembo from Zambia (2019), Amos Gwema from Zimbabwe (2020), and the 2021 winner was Suleiman Saidu from Nigeria.
This award is generously sponsored by
To nominate a dedicated wildlife ranger for the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award click here.
The 2022 winner will be announced at the Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony in November 2022.
Meet the 2021 winner
Suleiman Saidu | Nigeria
Winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award 2021
Employed by the Nigeria National Park Service in 1999 as a park ranger, Suleiman has progressed through the ranks to become a Senior Game Guard Ranger at the Yankari National Park. His diligence, hard work, commitment and honesty have earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and his community.
Watch the video to hear Suleiman’s story or read more here.
Past Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award Winners
Amos Gwema | Zimbabwe
Winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award 2020
A dedicated, diligent, hard-working, individual who has changed the way intelligence work contributes to the protection of Zimbabwes wildlife. Over the last 15 years he has convicted the highest number of poachers of any officer in the parks authority, all of whom are currently serving prison time.
Watch the video to hear Amos’s story or read more here.
Benson Kanyembo | Zambia
Winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award 2019
In 2019 the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award honoured the bravery and dedication of a man who leads the fight against poaching on Zambia’s frontline. Benson Kanyembo is a ranger’s ranger; physically tough, incredibly hardworking and resilient without seeking recognition or reward.
Watch the video to hear Benson’s story or read more here.
If you’ve been inspired by Amos’s story, learn about another finalist, or let others know about the Tusk Awards.
