Keswick Rugby Club has donated a full set of 1st Team shirts to a group of rangers on the front line of wildlife conservation in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

These aren’t just any rangers — they are part of an elite anti-
poaching unit waging a daily battle against poachers targeting endangered species such as rhinos and pangolins. Their work is as dangerous as it is vital, protecting some of the world’s most threatened animals from the black market trade in rhino horn and pangolin scales.

The shirt delivery was made possible by Linda Grave and her husband Mike, long-time Keswick residents with a passion for wildlife and frequent visitors to South Africa. During a recent trip, they handed the kit over to Sam, the Head Ranger who was delighted to accept them on behalf of his men. They live in a camp inside the park for weeks at a time with only brief visits home every couple of months, were thrilled with the gift.

“The guys were absolutely delighted,” said Linda. “They spend long hours in the bush, and during their downtime, playing sport is one of the few things they can enjoy. Now, thanks to Keswick Rugby Club, they can finally play together in matching shirts instead of just whatever clothes they have. It really means a lot to them.”

The men, who have called their team Skukuza Rangers, are based near Kruger’s main airport, and they play a vital role in conservation efforts. They operate in extreme conditions and with immense risk, yet continue their mission with unwavering dedication.

Kruger National Park is roughly the size of Wales, and patrolling such a vast area is a monumental task. One of the unit’s most successful tools is a dedicated canine unit (the dogs are mainly Bloodhound/Doberman cross or Belgian Malinois) boasting a 95% success rate in tracking down poachers. However, the dog unit and the rangers rely heavily on donations and they are supported by UK-based charity Blankets for Baby Rhinos, of which Linda is a Trustee, which helps fund their critical work.

We have also received this message from Sam Mandalane, Manager K9 Operations
"I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the generous support and positive publicity you’ve provided. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and contribute meaningfully to raising awareness to our Kruger National Park Rangers and employees and strengthening community engagement around the Kruger N Park. It’s a pleasure to be associated BFBR that connected us with such a dedicated and conservation-community-focused club"

If you would like to support the rangers, their dog unit, or help provide more equipment and supplies, donations can be made through Blankets for Baby Rhinos. Every little helps in the fight to protect Africa’s wildlife heritage.

Donate here: https://www.blanketsforbabyrhinos.org