Wildlife conservation, protecting forests, fighting off poachers and armed militia is just a day in the life for a wildlife ranger.
Except many of them don't have the training, the equipment, the remuneration or the protection to do their job safely and successfully.
From homicides, to animal conflict to natural disasters, some of the rangers die on the frontline protecting the animals and spaces we love.
Over 1,000 rangers have been killed in the line of duty in the past 10 years and standing behind these fallen rangers and their families is The Thin Green Line Foundation.
A foundation that Protects Nature’s Protectors by providing vital support to Park Rangers and their communities who are the front-line of conservation. They work predominantly in developing nations and conflict zones, and with Indigenous Park Rangers within Australia and abroad.
Today I speak to The Thin Green Line Foundation's Founder and Director, Sean Willmore, also a former Australian park ranger who has travelled to and worked with rangers in over 50 countries on six continents, where he has been ambushed, held at gunpoint, charged by elephants and avoided armed military.
Today he shares the stories of the Rangers, what really happens on the frontline and the ongoing challenges and anxiety they are subject to in order to stand by our wildlife.
Our conversation has some really inspiring stories from the frontline but there is also information on ranger livelihood and violence they've encountered that some listeners may find distressing.
If this episode connects with you and you have the means to give, you can donate directly to The Thin Green Line Foundation here.
Or help us spread the word, share the stories and their fight and help us stand up and honour the people doing this dangerous yet critical work #westandwiththeworldsrangers
Find Thin Green Line on the below social platforms.
