Unsung Heroes

Bongani Mdaka, a SANParks ranger, addresses poaching challenges in Africa's oldest Marine Protected Area, the Garden Route National Park.

Dr Mark Ofua has saved and cared for innumerable species confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade or bushmeat markets, including pangolins, civets, and crocodiles.

Dr Dunsin Bolaji is dedicated to saving the African manatee from extinction. After years of hard work, the manatees in his area now thrive below the surface, fulfilling their important role in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem.

Emmanuel Olabode is leading efforts to save forest elephants in Omo Forest - one of the last areas of pristine rainforest left in Nigeria.

Shanet Rutgers takes us behind the scenes at the Two Oceans Aquarium and highlights the urgent need to protect the endangered African penguin.

Douglas Mafukidze, a tobacco farmer in Zimbabwe, advocates for alternative approaches to protect indigenous forests.

Desmond Majekodunmi is not just a conservationist, he's a 'creation carer'. His mission is to remind us of the beauty we've lost due to human greed and to inspire us to protect our wildlife.

'Wildlife is here for a reason and we need them just as much as they need us.' Meet Rachel Ikemeh, who is working to save rare chimps and monkeys in Nigeria.

Joseph Makowa, known Travel Mufasa, embarked on a 1 500km journey on foot through Zimbabwe, aiming to connect with the country's wildlife and the need to protect it.

Doyinsola Ogunye is addressing Nigeria's plastic waste crisis through initiatives like Kids Beach Garden while her recycling scheme provides income-generating opportunities for women and young people.

The dedicated efforts of Yankari rangers, Jonah and Yusef, go beyond law enforcement. They carefully engage with communities to raise awareness about the consequences of poaching and deforestation.

Chinedu Mogbo's love for animals started from a young age. Now he visits the markets his father took him to as a young child to help give animals a second chance.

Professor Akin Abayomi, recognising the global implications of climate change and biodiversity loss, actively works to protect a crucial biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria.

Ndelende Ncube leads efforts to address human-wildlife conflict around Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe where no borders exist between the local community and nearby wild animals.

Corailking uses his creative talents to connect people, especially the youth, with nature and emphasises the need to protect our planet.

Andrea Minkwe's commitment to fending off unlawful encroachment and illegal logging demonstrates the impact one person can have in preserving Gabon's natural beauty.

A lawyer turned conservationist, Doyinsola Ogunye is turning the tide for turtles in Nigeria. Watch as she unites her community to help give turtles a second chance at life.

The Gorilla Guardians programme is a dedicated community-based monitoring initiative that aims to address habitat loss and poaching, offering hope for the survival of threatened gorillas.

Celebrating conservation's Unsung Heroes, the brave men and women playing their part in wildlife conservation.

Celebrating conservation's Unsung Heroes, the brave men and women playing their part in wildlife conservation.