After more than 20 impactful years, Thin Green Line’s Founder Sean Willmore has decided to take on new challenges and opportunities outside of the Foundation.
We thank him for his service, and wish him all the best in his next chapter.
In a moving personal letter, Sean Willmore, founder of The Thin Green Line Foundation, reflects on his 15-year friendship with Dr Jane Goodall – a relationship built on shared purpose, humour, and deep respect. From their first meeting at Melbourne Zoo to quiet moments of conversation and laughter, Sean recalls Jane’s unwavering support for rangers and her boundless compassion for people and nature alike.
This heartfelt tribute celebrates Jane’s enduring spirit, her generosity, wit, and tireless dedication, and honours a life that continues to inspire hope in those protecting our planet’s wild places.
“I miss you, I thank you, and I love you, Jane.”
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list challenge, but for Murray Wilson, General Manager of the Thin Green Line, the journey was about more than just summiting Africa’s highest peak. Alongside fellow adventurers, he trekked through forests and icy altitudes, then witnessed the dedication of Maasai rangers protecting wildlife across Kenya through the LEAD Ranger program.
Over 150 rangers from 21 countries gathered in Kenya for the 3rd African Ranger Congress — uniting under the Lewa Call to Action for better welfare, standards, and recognition. Supported by Thin Green Line and our global community, this event amplified the voices of Africa’s frontline protectors.
Dr Jane Goodall’s passing at the age of 91 marks the loss of a global icon whose legacy will endure in the countless lives she touched, the scientific breakthroughs she pioneered, and the enduring call to action she championed: to protect our planet, its wildlife, and the people on the frontlines of conservation.
At this year’s African Conservation Awards, the spotlight shone on the courage, skill, and dedication of rangers across the continent. Among the remarkable rangers recognised were some of Thin Green Line’s project partners, whose daily commitment to protecting wildlife and communities has now been acknowledged as setting a benchmark across Africa.
On World Ranger Day 2025, we honour 175 rangers who lost their lives in the past year across 42 countries. This year’s theme, Rangers: Powering Transformative Conservation, highlights how rangers are driving global change. On this day, we remember the fallen and celebrate the transformative power of those still standing on the frontlines.
Recent cuts to USAID funding have left global conservation efforts reeling. Once the world’s largest international development donor, the U.S. has slashed support for programs that protected wildlife, supported rangers, and empowered communities from Africa to the Pacific.
Many organisations report losing all funding, with critical work like anti-poaching and habitat restoration grinding to a halt. Virunga National Park and Pacific Island nations are among the hardest hit.
The message is clear: without renewed support, decades of conservation progress are at serious risk.
Each year, around 150 rangers lose their lives in the line of duty—defending wildlife, supporting communities, and standing between poachers and our planet’s most vulnerable species.
In January, Serasi—a dedicated ranger from Sumatra—tragically lost his life after sustaining an injury while on patrol. He was just 45, and left behind a wife and four young children. Serasi’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks rangers face every day, and of the urgent need to keep them safe and support their families in times of loss.
LEAD Ranger is a groundbreaking train-the-trainer initiative that provides rangers with the skills and confidence to train their own peers in a long-term and sustainable way. It creates and nurtures leaders, and brings out the best in participants, including those with no formal education. LEAD goes beyond the standard ranger training of wildlife protection and patrolling techniques, teaching skills in critical first aid and community engagement. Importantly, it’s saving lives.
Remarkable father-and-son duo, Phil and Ned, completed an epic adventure in 2024, all while raising vital funds for rangers around the world. Read about their journey, riding their bikes from Hobart to Darwin, and what inspired them to support rangers.
News of a ranger’s death is never easy to receive. The loss is felt deeply by our team, and by rangers around the world. Read about Daniel’s ultimate sacrifice while protecting Ghana’s natural resources, and how Thin Green Line supported his family in their darkest hour.
On World Ranger Day, 31st July, rangers, their families, friends, and the communities they're part of, will pause to reflect on the work of fallen colleagues - those who lost their lives protecting nature.
Follow the story of dedicated rangers in their fight to save South Africa's Rhino population.
31st of July is our opportunity to remember Fallen Rangers, reflect on our achievements and reconnect with colleagues.
Indigenous women rangers swap desert patrols for professional development opportunities in the big city.
Last year, in parallel with our projects, we quietly launched a new logo and website. We may look different, but we’re still the same team dedicated and determined to support more rangers. Read more about our rebrand and explore our new website.
A look ahead at what Thin Green Line has planned for 2024.
A record number of rangers across nine countries trained, see how we are reshaping ranger training globally and putting a stop to preventable deaths.
Meet Amanda, - Thin Green Line’s inaugural ranger ambassador. Read more on her 95,000km expedition around Oceania.
Learn how the courage of dedicated rangers, paired with the right equipment, forms the perfect alliance for tiger conservation in India.
Discover the detective work of frontline rangers combatting wildlife poisonings from poachers in Mozambique.
Explore how innovative camera traps and a dedicated patrol team are safeguarding the critically endangered Sumatran tiger.
Indigenous Australian rangers share skills and stories with Kenya’s Maasai rangers.
Every day Rangers risk their lives to protect wildlife and wild places across the globe.
Sumatra, Indonesia is home to Sumatran tigers, elephants and rhino, all of which are critically endangered.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a land torn by civil unrest.
Thin Green Line continues to reach more Fallen Ranger families each year.
Pablo Guerra Aldazabal, jaguar tracker from our conservation partner Rewilding Argentina, takes us through a typical day in his life.
Wildlife tracker, Marianela Masat, from our conservation partner Rewilding Argentina tells us about the efforts they are making.
Craig Millar, Chief Operating Officer of Big Life, sat down with us to talk about the tremendous impact of the LEAD Ranger Program.
Constance Mwandaa of Wildlife Works in Kenya talks about becoming a ranger, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, and her pride at being a leader.
An inside look at the training rangers go through to prepare them for the wild.
Amanda Dudgeon is a park ranger embarking on a 12-month solo expedition around Australia and the Pacific.
Rangers are no strangers to diversity.
A wildlife expert who worked extensively in the USA, as well as in Europe and Africa.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when that loved one is a brave ranger who has made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our planet, the pain can be especially hard to bear.
Project partner Fundación Jocotoco protects critically threatened habitats and species in Ecuador.
We think it’s about time that we introduce you to a very special member of our extended team…
A message from our ambassador Dr Jane Goodall on the risks rangers face every day as first responders