SA's rhino-saving rangers take centre stage in Prince William's Guardians
Prince William launched a new series focused on the anti-poaching work of rangers around the world.
The latest episode of Guardians focuses on the work of Kruger National Park rangers protecting critically endangered rhinos.
The six-part series launched last month from The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme and is airing on BBC Earth.
The latest episode of Prince William's BBC Earth YouTube series, Guardians, focuses on the work of Kruger National Park rangers protecting critically endangered rhinos from poaching.
A description for the episode reads:
'Left orphaned and vulnerable after brutal poaching attacks, baby rhinos face a desperate fight for survival. But thanks to the fearless guardians at Kruger National Park, these calves are given a second chance at life. This powerful story reveals the courage, care, and hope driving the battle to save a species on the brink of extinction.'
'Around the world, rangers work steadily on the frontlines of conservation,' Prince William says at the beginning of the episode.
'In South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park and surrounding areas, rangers are confronting a devastating rhino poaching crisis that threatens the survival of this awe-inspiring species.'
READ | SA's Kruger National Park features in Prince William's Guardians, spotlighting the work of wildlife rangers
The six-part series launched last month from The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme and is airing on BBC Earth.
'I've had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do,' William said in a statement about the series.
'Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature's Guardians and the critical work they do,' he added.
'The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all,' the royal continued.
'Every day, they take huge risks as nature's frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss.'
Cathy Dreyer, head ranger at Kruger National Park, said in a statement:
'For us, losing even a single rhino is too much. A modern-day ranger has to be resilient and mentally strong. You never know what a poacher will do when they are confronted, and often, they are willing to shoot rangers.'
'Every time there is an armed contact, you really hold your breath, and you're relieved when you hear that no rangers have been injured. But when you do lose someone, it really humbles you. People forget that behind the rangers are a family, sitting at home, who are also aware of these dangers,' she added.
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