Latest news with #CathyDreyer
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Kruger National Park celebrates World Ranger Day
The Kruger National Park (KNP) held a World Ranger Day commemoration ceremony at its Paul Kruger Gate on July 31 to honour the dedication and sacrifice of its rangers. The event was led by senior general manager of conservation management Danie Pienaar, head ranger Cathy Dreyer, and regional ranger Derick Mashale. Meanwhile, Dr Dion George, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, and SANParks' chairperson, Pam Yako, also paid tribute to the men and women on the front lines of conservation. @lowvelder Senior general manager of conservation management Danie Pienaar, head ranger Cathy Dreyer, and regional ranger Derick Mashale of the Kruger National Park perform a wreath-laying ceremony during the celebration of World Ranger Day on July 31. The day honours rangers who died in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with dedication. Kruger National Park #worldrangerday #krugernationalpark🇿🇦 #rangers #skukuza ♬ Now Gladiator – Mhobold World Ranger Day, observed annually on July 31, is a global initiative to acknowledge the critical role of rangers and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year's theme was, 'Rangers, powering transformative conservation'. ALSO READ: KLCBT seeks urgent urgent financial support for security plans in the Lowveld region The commemoration drew attention to the wide-ranging and essential roles that rangers perform, which extend far beyond traditional anti-poaching efforts. These responsibilities include wildlife monitoring and research, community engagement, visitor management, safety and security, and environmental education, emphasising the ranger's role as a catalyst for a new era of conservation. SANParks used the occasion to articulate its long-term strategy, Vision 2040, which aims for a reimagined approach to conservation. This is a commitment to aligning conservation with social justice, economic growth, and inclusivity, ensuring that nature and people can thrive together. ALSO READ: New field rangers for Kruger National Park As part of this vision, SANParks is looking to the future, envisioning a ranger who embodies the integration of technology, conservation, community development, and regenerative tourism. The organisation emphasised that the experiences and insights of current rangers are vital in shaping this future. This new generation of rangers will not only be protectors of the environment, but also champions and agents of change for an inclusive conservation model that benefits all South Africans.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Focus on Africa A rise in child abductions in Mozambique
Civil organisations in Mozambique say at least 120 children have been kidnapped by insurgents in the north of the country. The Human Rights Watch group warn of a rise in abductions in the country's troubled nothern province of Cabo Delgado. The children are reportedly being used by Al-Shabab, an insurgent group linked to the so-called Islamic State, to transport looted goods, cheap labour and in some cases as child soldiers. We'll hear from someone closely monitoring the kidnappings. Also, are there increased US bombings against targets in Somalia since Donald Trump became president? And we meet Cathy Dreyer, the first female ranger to head up the team at the Kruger National Park in South Africa! Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Alfonso Daniels and Nyasha Michelle Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
William praises rangers who ‘take on' poachers to protect endangered rhinos
Prince William has drawn attention to the critical poaching crisis endangering rhinos, describing the situation as "devastating." In the introduction to the fourth episode of his wildlife documentary series, Guardians, the Prince of Wales commended the dedication of rangers in South Africa 's Kruger National Park. The series highlights the conservation efforts of rangers worldwide. The 10-minute film features head ranger Cathy Dreyer and her teams working to combat poaching, as well as caregivers Felicia and Lucas, who are raising orphaned rhino calves. William stated, "Around the world, rangers work steadily on the front lines of conservation. '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. 'Amongst the teams are unsung heroes like Cathy, Felicia and Lucas – guardians who are not only taking on poachers, but also caring for the baby orphaned rhinos they leave behind. 'Their stories show hope can prevail through dedication, care and courage, even in the face of enormous challenges.' With just over 2,000 white and only around 250 black rhinos left in the Kruger National Park, it is feared the poaching crisis will lead to the extinction of the species in the next few decades if left unchallenged. The Guardians series, created by The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme, is available to watch on BBC Earth's YouTube and social channels, with episodes also be screened at Adventure Cinema locations across the UK. Featuring an introduction by the Prince of Wales in each episode, the six-part series aims to raise awareness and appreciation for these often-unsung heroes. The prince recently praised Sir David Attenborough as the inspiration behind the new series. Each episode showcases rangers engaged in diverse and challenging roles, from safeguarding snow leopards in the Indian Himalayas to defending marine life in Mexico's Sea of Cortez and protecting elephants and gorillas in the Central African Republic.
