Prince William conservation organization announces first winner of New Ranger Award

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Jul 31, 2015, 10:19 ET

NEW YORK, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The wildlife conservation organization, Tusk USA, whose Royal Patron is HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, announced the first winner of a new Tusk Conservation Awards award created by Prince William to recognize the dedication and bravery of rangers working to protect Africa's increasingly endangered wildlife, has been announced on World Ranger Day.

Edward Ndiritu, winner of Ranger Award with Sarah Watson, Director of Programs, Tusk

Edward Ndiritu, Head of the Anti-poaching Unit for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, was today presented with the news that he is the winner of the inaugural Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award.

In a personal letter of congratulation to Edward, Prince William, Royal Patron of Tusk thanked him for the 'extraordinary contribution' that he and his team have made towards both the protection of wildlife and increased security for rural communities of northern Kenya.

He said: "May I take the opportunity to personally congratulate you on this richly deserved award and to thank you for the extraordinary contribution you and your team at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have made towards both the protection of wildlife and increased security for the rural communities of northern Kenya."

Ndiritu, was selected by an independent panel of judges for his outstanding leadership and commitment in the face of the escalating threat from poachers in northern Kenya. His security operation covering more than 44,000 sq km, is home to 33 community managed wildlife conservancies and the 128 rhino living within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. He will travel to London in November to receive his award.

Speaking on World Ranger Day, Charlie Mayhew MBE, Tusk's co-founder and CEO, said: "Edward is an exceptional man, whose professionalism and dedication has earned him huge respect not only amongst his team but across the wider conservation community in Kenya. He is unquestionably the worthy winner of our first Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award."

As part of the Tusk Conservation Awards launched by Tusk in 2013 in partnership with Investec Asset Management and Land Rover, Edward Ndiritu will receive a special medal commissioned by Tiffany & Co and a grant towards his work. The awards ceremony will take place in London on 24^th November.

For more information, please visit www.tusk.org

Tusk USA, 525 East 89^th Street
Courtyard Office
NY, NY 10128 Tel: 212-602-1588
www.tusk.org
Ellen C. O'Connell Executive Director

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150731/252280

SOURCE Tusk USA