The final episode of Wildlife Warzone airs on Al Jazeera English on Wednesday 13 November and Thursday 14 November respectively. The series closes with six graduated rangers adapting to a new lifestyle in which they risk their lives and make personal sacrifices to protect rhinos from poachers.
“When bullets are flying, you know, one of us could be killed,’ says Freddie, who was able to ambush a poacher with Chrisjan after being scared initially to take on one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
“We’re giving everything, 110%, living, eating in the bush, 24 hours a day, sacrificing our social lives, our families, our girlfriends, whoever it may be waiting for us back home. We’re literally living in the bush, to try and save the rhinos,’ adds Chrisjan who says he won’t regret his decision to take part in the war against a $17 billion a year industry.
“Animals are for white people, black people only walk around the fence. They never see wild animals, so why would they care about them?’ says Tumi, who believes the tourism industry excludes surrounding communities from wildlife, which could potentially be contributing to the problem.
“At the moment, it doesn’t seem like the situation is getting any better,’ admits Chrisjan. “But you know we’re not going to stop; no one’s going to go quietly; we’re going to keep fighting until the very end.’
“What keeps me going is my friends, they are always there for me. We are living as a family. They are the ones who keep me motivated and loving this job,’ comments Gerald, one of the other rangers.
The show repeats on Wednesday, 13 November at 03h30, and Thursday, 14 November at 16h30.
Watch the final episode at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNzE5_SJWr8.
