Akashinga
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| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Damien Mander |
| Purpose | Anti-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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Akashinga: The Brave Ones
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]References
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