SANParks Honorary Rangers, Pretoria Region will celebrate International Rangers Day at the LA Sport facility in Voortrekker Road, Pretoria on Saturday, 30 July 2016. The main purpose of this international event is to pay tribute to the unsung conservation heroes, the game and field rangers, who protect South Africa’s national parks.

The public is invited to join the celebrations and to participate in a variety of fun-filled activities, entertainment and demonstrations. Visitors will be treated to demonstrations on the use of dogs and drones to assist in anti-poaching operations, as well as the use of other modern technology to detect illegal activities.

General Johan Jooste, who is in charge of the anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park, will explain the challenges that rangers face on a daily basis to protect our wildlife. Visitors will gain insight in a day in the life of a ranger and obtain a better understanding of the difficult and stressful circumstances rangers and their families endure.

Entertainment lined up for the International Ranger Day celebrations includes the singer, Quentin Prinsloo, a variety of games and competitive activities such as tug-of-war willy. The SANParks Mascots will also pay a visit to teach children about conservation.

A variety of exhibits will be on display and food stalls will offer food and drinks to buy. International Ranger Day in Pretoria provides a fun-filled and educational day that the whole family can enjoy. Safe off-street parking is available. The entrance fee is R40 for adults; R20 for scholars and students. Entrance for children under 12 years, is free.  The activities start at 10:00 en close at 17:00.

The honorary rangers are volunteers that dedicate their own time and skills to provide support in national parks. They make it their business to supplement various conservation, tourism and environmental education needs within SANParks. Honorary rangers receive no remuneration whatsoever for this unselfish task.

The horror of rhino poaching in particular touches the souls of every South African. The public can help in the fight against poachers by donating funds to legitimate organisations such as the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Donors can be assured that 100% of all financial contributions are used for conservation efforts in South African National Parks and to support projects that make a difference in the lives of SANParks Anti-rhino-poaching units who take enormous risks to protect our wildlife heritage.

Source: SANParks Honorary Rangers Pretoria Region about International Ranger Day activities

Photo caption: Delani, the Kudu, and Nxondo, the tortoise from the SANParks mascots that will attend the International Ranger Day celebrations on 30 July in Pretoria