APD Officer helps Rangers protect Africa elephants from poachers

An Austin Police Officer used her skills protecting Austin streets to help track down elephant poachers in Africa.

Officer Chantal Locke spent her summer vacation on a ten-day trek in Kenya with “Walk with Rangers.” The non-profit allows people to take a walk in Rangers shoes and see what challenges they face keeping elephants alive.

"I did learn a whole other level of respect. They are out ten to 15 miles every day not much equipment,” Locke said. “They barely have anytime off with their families they make approximately $40 a month."

Locke was one of ten people selected to participate in the program. She said the days were long, her group started bright and early looking for tracks and wire snare traps. Poachers use the snares to trap and wound elephants. 

"I didn't realize how easy I have it here until I had to live the life of a Ranger," said Locke.
"They want to protect the beauty of Kenya that's their livelihood they're unarmed they're going against people who are willing to risk their lives for quick money so it's definitely a risky job." 

Seeing elephants in their natural habitat has always been a dream for Locke. Over the years she has fundraised and ran 10k’s in support of saving elephants.

She carries with her a bracelet hand crafted from wire snares to remind her of the challenges her new travel companions face and to continue raising awareness of the challenges the African elephants face.

If you’d like to learn more about “Walk with Rangers” or support their cause visit http://walkwithrangers.africa/.