Help Support Female Ranger Teams in Africa

Practically a one-woman band, Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli single-handedly founded the Gibbon Conservation Society a decade ago after a chance meeting with ‘Ellek,’ a confiscated infant gibbon. Despite her lack of knowledge, Bam volunteered to care for Ellek and learned everything she could about gibbons.

In a bold move to rescue other distressed gibbons, Bam sold all her possessions and relocated to a secluded estate, crafting a sanctuary that mimics their natural environment. Her outspoken criticism of gibbon ownership provoked backlash, with some villagers calling her a ‘witch’.

Yet despite enduring a decade of relentless challenges, Bam’s determination has forged a resilient organization: The Gibbon Conservation Society. Today, as the proud recipient of the inaugural World Female Ranger Resilience Award, Bam runs two rehabilitation projects to support gibbons and create livelihood opportunities for women and Indigenous people.

Recently, her efforts led to a breakthrough: A pair of gibbons successfully relearned wild behaviors and reproduced. “To create change in wildlife conservation, tangible actions and sustainable partnerships between organizations, women and Indigenous communities need to be applied,” she says.

Founder of How Many Elephants, Holly Budge, launched the World Female Ranger Award in 2021 in conjunction with her pioneering initiative, World Female Ranger Week (June 23-30th). Holly and her team have identified over 5500 female rangers around the world. Holly says, “We are delighted to give recognition to female rangers, plus providing grants sponsored by How Many Elephants. I have seen the tangible impact female rangers are making worldwide, protecting wildlife, uplifting communities, and empowering women."

Your donations have played a crucial role in the growth and success of female rangers, enabling them to make a significant impact on the conservation of wildlife and habitats. Thank you.

Links:

• World Female Ranger Week Website