Honouring Serasi: A Ranger’s Sacrifice, a Legacy of Hope

Serasi was a brave and dedicated ranger from Sumatra, Indonesia. As part of the Sumatran Ranger Project, Serasi dedicated his life to protecting the people and wildlife of Gunung Leuser National Park. On patrol, he dismantled snares set by poachers, engaged with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and helped to protect endangered species like elephants and the elusive Sumatran tiger.

In January, while on patrol, Serasi injured his leg. Just two weeks later, he tragically passed away from sepsis. Serasi was 45 years of age and leaves behind a wife and four young children.

Serasi’s story is a powerful reminder of the daily risks faced by rangers on the frontlines of conservation. Each year, around 150 rangers lose their lives while protecting our natural world.

Though these stories affect us deeply, we continue to find hope even in the darkest moments. Hope for a future where no ranger loses their life while at work. Hope for a time when every ranger receives life-saving training and critical equipment to keep them as safe and protected as possible. And hope that, when tragedy does strike, we can provide support to grieving families through our Fallen Ranger Fund. We see the hope this brings to rangers’ loved ones, offering them the space to mourn without the burden of losing their sole source of Income. Support Is often used for immediate costs such as housing, education, or funeral expenses.