Defender and Tusk

Defender, the car brand so rugged it makes Swiss Army knives look fragile, has extended its nearly two-decade bromance with Tusk, the conservation charity that’s been out there saving wildlife while the rest of us were watching cat videos. Together, they’re turbocharging conservation efforts across Africa with a new approach that screams, "Move over, poachers, there's a new sheriff in town!"

This renewed partnership promises everything from fancy grants to rugged vehicles that could probably drive through a volcano and come out cleaner than when they went in. But it’s not just about the cars (although, let’s be real, the cars are the stars); this is about communities, ecosystems, and animals that are as endangered as your chances of surviving a family braai without someone bringing up politics.

The Flagship Projects: Saving Africa One Rhino at a Time

The first three stops on this conservation safari are Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa—countries with more biodiversity than a hipster’s Netflix watchlist. The projects?

• Save the Rhino Trust (Namibia): Because someone has to protect those horned beasts from the world’s worst trophy hunters.

• Wild Entrust (Botswana): Teaching communities how to coexist with wildlife without turning their backyards into impromptu lion safaris.

• Vulpro (South Africa): The heroes of the sky, focused on vultures who do more for the environment than anyone eating an organic salad ever could.

Each project will feature Defender vehicles doing what they do best: looking cool while conquering terrain that would make lesser cars weep.

Wildlife Rangers: The Avengers of Conservation

Defender isn’t stopping with a few rhino-saving drives; they’re also backing Tusk’s legendary Wildlife Ranger Challenge. Think of it as Africa’s version of "The Amazing Race," but with actual stakes. Rangers from across the continent will race to raise funds for conservation while carrying gear, navigating wild landscapes, and probably dodging the odd charging elephant.

Since the Challenge’s inception, it’s raised over $21 million, protected 45 endangered species, and covered more land than most GPS apps. This year, Defender’s throwing its support behind the rangers, who are essentially the Batman of the bush, minus the cape (but who needs a cape when you’ve got a Defender?).

Edward Aruna: The Turtle Whisperer

This year’s star at the Tusk Awards was Edward Aruna, the founder of Sierra Leone’s Reptile and Amphibian Programme. Edward has been busy ensuring marine turtles don’t go extinct while the rest of us were busy Googling how to recycle pizza boxes. His team recorded over 3,000 live hatchlings last year—more than some people’s daily step counts. Edward’s work has not only inspired his community but also nudged the Sierra Leonean government into action, proving that one passionate person can make a massive difference.

Conservation: The Ultimate Endurance Race

Defender’s partnership with Tusk isn’t just about the environment—it’s about culture, camaraderie, and maybe a bit of showing off at the annual Lewa marathon. Dubbed one of the world’s most stunning (read: grueling) endurance races, it’s a testament to the grit required for conservation. Spoiler alert: running in the African heat while dodging giraffes isn’t for the faint of heart.

Defender’s commitment also extends to sponsoring awards that highlight the unstoppable individuals doing the work most of us couldn’t handle without caffeine and a Wi-Fi connection.

Defender + Tusk: Built to Last

This partnership is a masterclass in what happens when iconic brands with unstoppable attitudes join forces. Defender provides the wheels, Tusk brings the know-how, and together, they’re driving conservation into a future where Africa’s wildlife has more than just a fighting chance.

So, the next time you see a Defender cruising the savannah, a poacher is nervously checking their rearview mirror.