Judite Daniel Zipe is from Caia and lives in Gorongosa Village with her husband and daughter.
As a child, she often heard people talking about Gorongosa National Park, and as she grew older, developed an interest in becoming a ranger.
“I participated in the selection and training process for Park inspectors and was one of the few women selected from more than 2,000 men and women,” she said.
Judite became a Gorongosa Ranger and in 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Patrol Leader. In 2022 she was promoted to Head of Operations of the Carnivore Unit, a group of more than 22 rangers responsible for carnivores and other protected species such as pangolins.
Judite is the first woman to hold this position and In 2023, was recognized as a Ranger of the Year by Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique’s Ministry of Land and Environment, and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC).
With only six years of experience, these awards is the second one she’s received for being a Ranger.
Her recognition comes from her work in the field and her dedication to biodiversity conservation.
Gorongosa Rangers must be well prepared and they use many strategies. Sometimes these strategies are dangerous and put the life of an Ranger at risk.
Judite is motivated and inspired to continue working. She hopes her story can impact mainly women and young people and motivate them to become Gorongosa Rangers.
Photo – Judite Zipe accepts a Ranger of the Year award from Ivete Maibaze, Minister, Land and Environment for Mozambique.