Akashinga

Akashinga was founded in 2017.^[1] The women of Akashinga were recruited by Australian conservationist Damien Mander, founder of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). The original 16 Akashinga were recruited to be conservation officers for Phundundu Wildlife Park.^[2] The word Akashinga means "the brave ones" in Shona.^[3] The Akashinga Rangers are an arm of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation).^[4]

In contrast to other all-female anti-poaching groups such as the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, the rangers of Akashinga are armed.^[3] Since 2017, the group has arrested hundreds of poachers.^[4]

Many of the Akashinga Rangers are vegan.^[5][3] Many of the Akashinga are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault.^[6]

In March 2017, two rangers and a male trainer drowned while crossing a river.^[3]

The short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones was directed by Maria Wilhelm. It was produced by Kim Butts, Drew Pulley, and Wilhelm and was executive produced by James Cameron. Akashinga: The Brave Ones premiered in 2020 at the EarthXFilm Festival. It was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was later broadcast on National Geographic.^[8] Akashinga is also available to stream on YouTube.^[4]

• Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit
• How Many Elephants
• Holly Budge