“One of the best decisions Big Life Foundation has made.”

Until a few years ago, training relied on external instructors, often offering one-size-fits-all courses with little relevance to local terrain or challenges. The result was patchy skills development, high costs, and limited long-term impact.

In 2018, Big Life made a strategic shift. They partnered with LEAD Conservation, a foundation focused on building in-house training capacity through a “train-the-trainer” model. Rather than cycle in external trainers, the aim was to develop Big Life’s own rangers into instructors — embedding a long-term solution within the team itself.

Building the academy

With support from LEAD Conservation and the Thin Green Line Foundation, Big Life established the Amboseli Conservation Academy, a permanent training centre able to host multi-week field-based programmes. Early courses included advanced first aid, tactical patrol skills, wildlife-crime response, and — crucially — teaching and leadership methods. LEAD instructors delivered the first waves of training, focused on preparing Big Life rangers to take over instruction themselves.

The model worked. Within two years, Big Life had trained its own instructors, who now run regular refresher courses and induction programmes for all rangers. As of 2023, Big Life is fully self-sufficient in training, having internalised and adapted the LEAD curriculum to fit its operational context. Materials have been translated into Maa where needed, and lessons are taught through field demonstrations and oral storytelling to reach every member of the team.

“Joining LEAD is one of the best decisions Big Life Foundation has made.” — Craig Millar, Chief Operating Officer, Big Life Foundation

The results

• 4+ years with zero elephants lost to wildlife crime in Big Life’s patrol areas.

• 12 internal ranger trainers now deliver all instruction.

• 2023 fully self-sufficient in training.

Rangers trained in first aid have saved lives both in the field and in nearby communities. Training costs have dropped significantly, freeing resources for equipment and operations. And the strongest outcome is cultural: rangers now see themselves as both protectors and professionals. Instructors have emerged from every background, including those without formal education. As one senior ranger put it:

“I never went to school, but now I train others. I’ve saved lives because of what I learned.” — Senior ranger, Big Life Foundation

Why it worked

The success lies in its practicality. Training is tailored to the landscape, based on what rangers actually face. Rangers train in the bush, in their own language, led by their own colleagues. It builds pride, ownership, and real competence.

This collaboration shows what happens when training is treated not as an event, but as a system. LEAD Conservation’s lasting contribution is not just skills — but the ability to keep teaching those skills long after they’ve left. Big Life and LEAD continue to collaborate, sharing lessons with other conservancies and adapting the curriculum as new threats emerge.

Want this for your own organisation? See how partnership works →