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All-Female Ranger Unit Protecting Kenya's Wildlife

Lenny Ruvaga

   KAJIADO, KENYA - Kenya's Amboseli National Park is home to herds of
   elephants that have been the target of poachers trafficking in the
   illicit trade in ivory. Now a program that has brought women on boardin
   the fight against poaching is gaining traction.

   At the start of another day at the Olgulului-Ololarashi Group Ranch,
   23-year-old park ranger Purity Amleset, the leader of this all female
   ranger unit, sets out the day's plan with her team, ensuring that each
   member has her orders correct.

   Today's task: locating an elephant and her newborn calf.

   Team Lioness

   Dubbed "Team Lioness," the ranger unit is made up of eight women whose
   core duties involve protecting wildlife within the 1,230 square
   kilometer stretch of parkland that surrounds Amboseli National Park.

   They are chosen for their academic achievements, physical stamina,
   integrity and discipline.

   Amleset says joining an all-female ranger unit has been beneficial to
   the traditionally patriarchal Maasai community.

   She says her community held the view that women and girls were the
   weaker sex and that girls could only do menial jobs and housework,
   which included only raising a family. However over the course of time,
   the female rangers have been showing and telling them the importance of
   being a ranger just like the menfolk.

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