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World Ranger Day and World Lion Day 2025
Welcome to World Ranger Day and World Lion Day.
This is a time to celebrate and give thanks to the work of the wildlife rangers across the World. They are fundamental to protecting nature often in dangerous and difficult conditions. Their work supports subsistence farmers and communities living with lions and other endangered and/or dangerous animals living out their lives in the bush.
At AfriCat UK we celebrate the dedication and effort of the Lion Guards of the Namibian Lion Trust.
World Lion Day highlights these majestic and much-loved large cats. Hearing the sound of a lion roar echoing through the bush while feeling the ground vibrate under your feet is just a magical experience! The lion has always been a symbol of power, majesty and authority. It is not called ‘The King of the Beasts’ for nothing! However, this sound is being heard with less frequency as lions numbers decline.
World Ranger Day and World Lion Day 2025
Welcome to World Ranger Day and World Lion Day. This is a time to celebrate and give thanks too the work of the wildlife rangers across the World. They and fundamental to protecting nature often in dangerous and difficult conditions. Their work supports subsistence farmers and communities living with lions and other endangered and/or dangerous animals living out their lives in the bush.
At AfriCat UK we celebrate the dedication and effort of the Lion Guards of the Namibian Lion Trust.
World Lion Day highlights these majestic and much-loved large cats. Hearing sound of a lion roar echoing through the bush while feeling the ground vibrate under your feet is just a magical experience! The lion has always been a symbol of power, majesty and authority. It is not called ‘The King of the Beasts’ for nothing! However, this sound is being heard with less frequency as lions numbers decline.
Lions in Africa are not having an easy time. Over the last 20+ years lion numbers have been in free fall. It may surprise you to know that there are now believed to be a similar number of rhinos (black and white) as lions living in the wild in Africa!
That said here are pockets of hope. The lion conservation projects across Africa like, The Namibian Lion Trust, are making a difference. They do this by working with local people and gaining support from communities. Improved understanding comes from a variety of educational inputs and leads to an increased sharing of solutions. Improvements in technology that help to monitor lion numbers and provide early warning systems have been beneficial and support the rangers,all of which has helped to stabilized populations in some areas.
Lions are thought to be holding their own in Namibia and other counties in Southern Africa. In Namibia there is a thriving and healthy population within the Etosha National Park which is roughly the size of Wales. These lions ‘leak’ through the fence into surrounding areas. Some of these areas are private concessions running game lodges, who love having the lions come for visits or longer stays! There are local conservancies which are lands run by local chiefs, here lions may be less welcome if they start to eat livestock.
Lion conservation work here is focussed on helping communities and lions live
together. Additionally, there are private farms and hunting lodges where tolerance of lions will vary. The lion population in Namibia runs in a narrow strip from the coast to along the Zambezi strip a distance of about 1,000+ km. It is a vast area of varying habitat, from sand dunes through hilly bush scrub, to flood plains, with lion densities linked to land use and prey availability.
Threats To Lions
Poaching – lions are killed for their claws, skins, teeth and bones to meet a demand from various parts of the world for these body parts which are used for ornamental or perceived medicinal value.
Human-lion conflict – retaliatory killing of lions arises when lions attack livestock or humans. While lions prefer their natural prey when hungry, injured, inexperienced or threatened lions will go for what is available.
Land Encroachment – as populations rise, there are increasing interactions between lion, livestock and herders reducing habitat quality and increasing conflict. Overgrazing, droughts and infrastructure development can impact on space needed for lions. Where community land butt up to national parks temptations work both ways (lions move out of the safety of the park and livestock move into the park for better grazing) with the crossing of boundaries there are more potential points of conflict.
Loss of Habitat and connectivity – lions require large areas of habitat to thrive but with the demands of people the available land for lions is becoming smaller isolated patches, often nature reserves of one kind or another. This can lead to inbreeding and smaller populations dying out.
Bushmeat trade – the prey lions rely on for food such as antelopes is also hunted (illegally and legally) by local people for food, rites of passage and to be sold in markets meeting a demand for bush meat. The traps used for the antelope can snare a lion and any poison will affect who ever takes it. Lions being ‘lost’ in this way can have a significant impact on lion survival in an area. For example, a mum with cubs where lion numbers are small.
Ceremonial and Trophy hunting – lions are sometimes killed for ‘sport’ or hunted by local people as part of traditional rites of passage.
AfriCat UK is proud to support the work of the Namibian Lion
Trust in Namibia.
The Namibian Lion Trust works with local communities to support the farmer, bringing tools to help them such as tried and tested methods to reduce livestock losses, bomas and practical help if the lions threaten their livestock. Lions in the area are tracked and identified with the goal of being fitted with gps collars so their where abouts are known. Not an easy feat when ones is dealing with rugged barren landscapes with no roads. The lions in the area covered by the Namibian Lion trust roam vast distances and blend into the landscape.
Namibian Lion Guards are recruited from their own communities and form a part of a wider Lion Ranger programme. This covers a vast remote area in NW Namibia, from the coast to Etosha National Park and very roughly is 370sqkm in size. This is also home to free roaming black rhino population and community rangers work to keep them safe too.
The lion guards work in harsh conditions, tracking lion movements, monitoring prides, talking with local farmers, helping them to construct lion proof kraals, building relationships with community leaders, running education sessions for communities and young people, collaring lions and responding to alerts. This later activity puts their lives at risk.
If a lion, through monitoring its movements via a gps collar, is seen to be heading towards a farmer or village, the first responder like Jackon gets an alert on his phone. He sends messages, if possible, via text to the farmer letting them know the lions are in their area. The farmer then tries to make sure his animals are safely in the kraal or boma.
The first responder contacts members of his team of lion guards and arranges for them to meet him at the location. Where practical he collects them on route in his vehicle. Once they arrive, they look for the lions and as necessary use non-lethal methods to chase the lions away from the farmer and the livestock.
The area is scrub bushland with poor quality grazing with a range of both wild and some domesticated animals in it. Elephants are found in the area as are other predators like leopard and hyena. Living alongside the livestock (no fenced fields as we know them in the UK) are species of antelope and warthog which is the lion’s usual prey. Roads are dirt tracks and require a robust 4×4 to get safely around. As lions generally hunt in the dusk or dark, the lion guards need to be able to respond at night adding to the hazards being faced.
Support options to help the Lion Rangers/Guards and the Lions of Namibia
• Make a donation here and all funds received until end of August will go to the Namibian Lion Trust, the wonderful Lion rangers/guards and to fund the work they do and will help with the cost of collaring and monitoring the lions which helps keep them safe.
• Arrange a fund rising event – contact janet@africat.co.uk and we can discuss ways we can support your efforts.
• Buy a gift (or present for yourself) from the AfriCat UK online shop, a water bottle, card, mug, t shirt, all made in the UK.
• Consider splashing out on a David James sweatshirt or T shirt (do check size information when ordering)
• Talk with family and friends about the plight of lions in the wild and the work of the rangers.
• Consider leaving a gift in your will to support lion conservation.
• Plan a trip to visit a conservation project.
• Send us a message of thanks for the Lion Guards to either via support@africat.co.uk or to Janet@africat.co.uk and they will be forwarded to Tammy to share with her team.
Can we on World Lion Day raise funds to thank and support the Nambian Lion Guards thereby ensuring that the lions of this area are protected and can thrive?
They love their job but it’s tough and it would be good to give them tangible support with funds to pay for essentials like new boots, new tyres, health insurance, batteries for the camera traps, food for when collaring a lion which might take a week; materials for boma’s, transport costs and their vital mobile phones which help them alert farmers to the presences of lions.
Thank You Blair Drummond Safari Park for your support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
The keepers and staff of Blair Drummond Safari Park select charities to work with through their Link to the Wild programme. The team on site give talks and find other ways to engage members of the public about the plight of the rare and endangered animals they can see in the park.
The number of lions across Africa have plummeted. Habitat loss and fragmentation of their range means there are just half the lions roaming Africa than there were 30 years ago. In fact, there are now thought to be now more white and black rhinos than lions living wild in Africa.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the staff at Blair Drummond together with the generosity of the visitors the Nambian Lion Trust is the very grateful recipient of £2,200. A ROAR of appreciation and thanks to everyone from the lions and the Lion Guards in Namibia.
If you are passing the Safari Park or planning a trip to the Stirling area, then book a visit.
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
World Rhino Day is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them by rhino experts and advocates around the world.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to a small number of White Rhino, which are a treat to see in their natural habitat. Those staying at Okonjima can arrange to visit them, in certain circumstances this may be on foot.
White Rhinos are struggling as they continue to be poached for their horn, which is nothing more than what your nails are made of. Really sadly some people still hold onto a belief that it has healing properties – it does not. As the horn has value on the black market these magnificent creatures are still slaughtered and worse still have their horns cut off with chain saws and then left to die.
One of Daniel’s many celebrity clients is Ronnie Woods of the Rolling Stones! Daniel designs all of Ronnie’s stage outfits and Ronnie has very kindly donated one of his specially-commissioned Lion artworks to be printed on a one-off T-shirt for our unique use. – All proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Ronnie has been supporting conservation efforts for many years and we are very grateful for his support with this project.
With Christmas around the corner one of these specially designed t-shirts or sweatshirts would make a lovely present.
Please follow the link below to go directly to Daniels James’s website to see the whole collection he has designed alongside, as well as the very special Ronnie Woods Lion artwork T-shirt or use the QR code.
Shop now and support the work of the Namibian Lion Trust
For more information about The Namibian Lion Trust please visit their website.
Thank you from the AfriCat UK Board
We have been delighted to see the funds coming in from a range of sources.
The AfriCat UK online shop has increased its range of goods and includes mugs, cards water bottles as well as a range of other items. It is worth checking out from time to time as things do get added. If there is something particular you are after, do email janet@africat.co.uk with the detail of what you would like and it may be possible to design it for you. Please allow plenty of time.
The new Namibian Lion Trust merchandise from London Fashion Designer Daniel James has been well received and sales have been steady especially in the run up to Christmas. They do make excellent presents for all ages.
Easyfundraising continues to be popular and is an excellent way to help AfriCat UK without costing you a penny, please spread the word and if you have not signed up yet please do. The shop you purchase the goods from give us a small percentage of the time cost.
We have been delighted to see that people have been making donations via Benevity which is a corporate platform that enables people across the world to donate to charities of their choice.
We are very grateful to be remembered by a recent friend of AfriCat UK in their will and will ensure their generosity is used to good advantage.
There is still a supply of prints taken by Chris Packham you can purchase.
Check out the details in the shop section of the website.
In 2025 we hope to expand and increase the ways people can support AfriCat UK and The Namibian Lion Trust. Any suggestions and ideas are most welcome.
AfriCat UK
The AfriCat UK Board.
The three current Trustees of AfriCat UK are Frank Horan as Chairman, Charlotte Shipton and Janet Widdows. In addition, we have keen supporters of the work in Namibia who assist the Board with various tasks and our longstanding Patrons and Ambassadors. The Board is keen to hear from anyone who would like to help with fundraising, tasks associated with running the charity or those willing to join the Board.
Any offers of help are most welcome, please contact either Frank or Janet or Charlotte
AfriCat UK’s Vision
To contribute towards the conservation efforts of the Namibian charities who work to conserve suitable habitat and environments where carnivores and endangered species can thrive and survive. This work will involve education, research and working with local communities.
Misson Statement
To promote the need for conservation of the natural world for all in Namibia. To work with local charities supporting their projects and initiatives. This will include but not be limited too, awareness raising of issues in the UK, Namibia and the wider world; supporting local educational initiatives; fundraising; promoting visits to the region and Okonjima; encouraging and sharing relevant research work; working to reduce human wildlife conflict and to involve local communities with all relevant activities.
Contacting AfriCat UK
correspondence address: 5 Brackendale Way, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1DZ
phone: landline 0118 935 1681 (please leave a message if no reply)
email address: support@africat.co.uk has replaced info-uk@africat.org but anything sent to the old email is being forwarded and we will reply.
AfriCat UK board members can be contacted with their first name followed by @africat.co.uk
website: www.africat.co.uk
AfriCat - Behind the Scenes
The AfriCat Foundation welcomes Okonjima guests to come behind the scenes to learn first-hand about the work of the Foundation.
The AfriCat Behind The Scenes programme is available for groups of guests between 4 to 8 pax booked into the Okonjima Bush Camp or Luxury Villa for at least three nights on a fully inclusive basis.
This experience will give you a deeper insight into our research projects, such as the Brown Hyaena, Pangolin, the Leopard and other endangered species. Guests will be able to see and participate in AfriCat work that can be scheduled for the time of the visit such as re-collaring as well as the option of meeting the “AfriCat ambassador carnivores” that are in the care of AfriCat.
For more information please visit: AfriCat Behind the Scenes
Since 2014, AfriCat UK (UK Charity Commission Number 1120026) has supported The AfriCat Foundation and The Namibian Lion Trust (Formerly AfriCat North). AfriCat UK raises funds for the various programs that have been developed by the Namibian charities to assist in research of key species, research of solutions to Human Wildlife Conflict, and the education of local communities in Namibia.
We have successfully funded research that has assisted in the better understanding of the Cheetah, Pangolin, Leopard, Lion, and Hyenas. AfriCat UK have funded the building of a school for local communities to improve the link in conservation and education for future generations. Many world renowned veterinary clinicians have based their research and resultant doctorates on the animals and facilities that can be found at the two charities in Namibia that we continue to fund. The importance of this research allows for wide-spread conservation initiatives that impact species globally.