Akashinga

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Akashinga
Formation2017 (2017)
FounderDamien Mander
PurposeAnti-poaching
Region served
Zimbabwe
Parent organization
International Anti-Poaching Foundation

The Akashinga Rangers is an all-female anti-poaching group in Zimbabwe. The group is the subject of a 2020 documentary titled Akashinga: The Brave Ones.

History

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Akashinga was founded in 2017.[1] The women of Akashinga were recruited by Australian conservationist Damien Mander, founder of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). The original 16 Akashinga were recruited to be conservation officers for Phundundu Wildlife Park.[2] The word Akashinga means "the brave ones" in Shona.[3] The Akashinga Rangers are an arm of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation).[4]

Operations

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In contrast to other all-female anti-poaching groups such as the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, the rangers of Akashinga are armed.[3] Since 2017, the group has arrested hundreds of poachers.[4]

Rangers

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Many of the Akashinga Rangers are vegan.[5][3] Many of the Akashinga are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault.[6]

In March 2017, two rangers and a male trainer drowned while crossing a river.[3]

Notable former rangers

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Akashinga: The Brave Ones

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The short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones was directed by Maria Wilhelm. It was produced by Kim Butts, Drew Pulley, and Wilhelm and was executive produced by James Cameron. Akashinga: The Brave Ones premiered in 2020 at the EarthXFilm Festival. It was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was later broadcast on National Geographic.[8] Akashinga is also available to stream on YouTube.[4]

See also

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References

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