We are so excited to share this important film with you, titled ‘We are all Rangers’.
Watch our film 'We are all Rangers'.
Back in 2018, we visited Game Rangers International in Zambia whilst on assignment for Kristin Davis to document their work in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orphaned elephants back into the wild. Kristin had formed a strong relationship with Game Rangers International whilst working on the Netflix film ‘Holiday in the Wild’, which tells the fictional story of an elephant rescue in Zambia, whilst communicating the real-life issues that Africa’s elephants are currently facing.
The Elephant Orphanage at Game Rangers International was used as part of the ‘Holiday in the Wild’ film set.
In some scenes, the orphaned elephants made an appearance as they were filmed during their usual routine, such as exploring the bush surrounding the orphanage. Since Game Rangers International prioritises the elephants’ wellbeing and follows strict elephant management protocols and minimal impact policies, all filming was done ethically and from a respectable distance, and an animatronic ‘body double’ was used for many of the scenes! All elephants used near actors during filming were habituated to people and in care facilities specifically selected for their high welfare standards.
Kristin has been an advocate of elephant conservation for the past ten years, and is a proud Patron of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.
Kristin fell in love with the elephants at Game Rangers International and was so impressed by the hard work and dedication of the team that she was inspired to do more to help them, which is how the valued relationship between Kristin and Black Bean Productions came about. Together, we worked on creating ‘We are all Rangers’ to promote the amazing work of Game Rangers International and to raise awareness about the plight of elephants.
With ivory poaching sweeping across Africa and destroying her elephants, we’re so thankful for Game Rangers International and their presence in Zambia’s wilderness areas.
The world is a scary place for an orphaned baby elephant. Lost, alone and frightened, they have to fend for themselves without the protection of their mother and natal herd. Without this protection, they so sadly become even more vulnerable to nature’s harshest conditions and predators. They are also at risk of becoming severely malnourished since they are suddenly deprived of their mother’s nutrient-rich milk.
For a young, fragile elephant in this situation, their chances of survival would be small if it wasn’t for amazing conservation organisations, such as Game Rangers International, working hard to rescue them from such tragic circumstances and offering them a second chance at life.
Upon rescue, the elephants are transported to the elephant orphanage, where loving hands are waiting to welcome them, care for them and give them all of the treatment they need to get through this critical time. The first bonds they form are with the dedicated keepers, who work around the clock to support them, offering affection, comfort and security, which the elephants so desperately need during this tragic stage in their lives. Not only are the elephants supported emotionally, but they are also given veterinary treatment and a specialised milk formula to help them grow from strength to strength. Once they’re strong and confident enough, they are introduced to the other elephants at the orphanage, which is a significant moment as they meet their new herd – their new family – for the first time. Once settled into the orphan herd, the elephants start forming close bonds with each other, unknowingly helping one another to emotionally heal and overcome the trauma of losing their mothers.
The relationships between the orphaned elephants are truly heart-warming to see.
Together, these little elephants embark upon a new journey. Each morning, they explore their wild surroundings, guided by the keepers who always keep a watchful eye on them. This is the start of a long rehabilitation process. It can take at least ten years for orphaned elephants to reach the physical and emotional maturity required for life in the wild. It is so sad that one cruel act from poachers can impact the entire life of one baby elephant. This is why it is so important to support wildlife rangers who are protecting wild spaces, and why it is necessary to educate the younger generation about elephants, so that they choose to conserve them and strive to peacefully co-exist with them. Once the elephants take those significant steps back into the wild, their movements will be monitored by the Research team at Game Rangers International to ensure they’re safe and are avoiding human settlement areas.
Game Rangers International has worked for over ten years to adopt this holistic approach to conservation, operating in Zambia’s national parks in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, encompassing three core departments – Law Enforcement, Wildlife Rescue and Community Outreach.
We’re so proud to have worked with this amazing organisation and the dedicated people within it.
If you are able to, please donate to Game Rangers International as funding is continually needed to do this work and rescue more elephants. If you are not able to make a donation, you can still help. By taking the time to watch and share this film, you are contributing to creating change and are part of something with a greater purpose. Supporting organisations that are doing important work to save our natural world, such as Game Rangers International, is crucial. By sharing this film and educating others, you are adding your voice to this cause and helping to protect our elephants.
Together, we can save our wildlife and wild spaces.
With special thanks to Kristin Davis for making this film possible.
