The Living Desert hosts Wildlife Challenge supporting all-female ranger team in South Africa

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — A local conservation event brought the Coachella Valley community together Saturday to support wildlife protection efforts thousands of miles away.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens hosted its Wildlife Ranger Challenge, raising money and awareness for the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, an all-female ranger team working to protect wildlife and habitats in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region.

Participants took part in a 2.1-mile walk and run, inspired by the 21-kilometer challenge completed by wildlife rangers around the world.

The event also featured a presentation from Black Mambas founder Craig Spencer, followed by a virtual question-and-answer session with members of the ranger team in South Africa.

The Black Mambas are known for their work protecting wildlife while also educating communities about conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

The Living Desert says the event was part of its broader conservation work around the world. The organization partners with more than 105 conservation projects across 12 countries.

The event also came just days before World Rhino Day on September 22, putting a spotlight on the ongoing effort to protect rhinos and other threatened wildlife from poaching and habitat loss.

Organizers said all net proceeds from the event would be matched, helping increase the support going toward conservation programs and the Black Mambas' mission.