Elephant rangers walk 362 kilometers from Windhoek to Swakopmund to show their determination

Rangers from the Kunene Elephant Walk programme arrived at Swakopmund on Friday after completing a walk of 362 kilometres from Windhoek to the coast.

The group says it undertook the challenge to raise awareness for its work helping humans and elephants coexist peacefully.

The rangers completed the walk in only five and a half days, stating that this was a way to demonstrate their commitment to their cause to sponsors and the public.

The project was started by John Kasaona, the executive director of Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), in 2020. His goal was to mitigate human-elephant conflict.

The rangers in the project are trained to use strategies such as early warning communication, water point building and management, community education as well as safe methods of chasing elephants away from human settlements.

Kasaona explains: “That’s why this trip was undertaken, to really show the world that we have human beings that are out there, that are fit for the work, that can do what it takes to keep elephants away from problems, and also to protect us from animals. And we have seen it now, during this trip. These people are very hard-working and very dedicated.”

Kasaona states: “Whoever is out there struggling with elephant problems, don’t see them as a problem. We have a solution. We will come to your rescue and find a way to keep them away and also ensure that they are also protected.”

He highlights that elephants are intelligent animals that can be taught where they are allowed to be and where not.

Kasaona also warns that people should not use the same behaviour around the animals when they are in a wilderness area as when they are near a settlement, since this will confuse them and make it harder for them to distinguish between the two.

“Let’s find a way to coexist. Let’s find a way to live with elephants,” he urges.