I’ve always lived by the motto that humans are responsible for managing the land God has given us. The fact that species of animals are on the brink of extinction means that we’re not managing the land very well. Cindy Lee’s short film, The Last Ranger, tells the story of brave African rangers determined to save endangered animals for very little pay or reward.
Khuselwa (Makhaola Ndebele) is a proud park ranger overseeing a white rhino named Thandi because poachers have been spotted nearby. Thandi’s rare horn will bring in a hefty bounty.
Meanwhile, a young girl, Litha (Liyabona Mroqoza), is asked to leave her home while her father conducts important…and suspicious business. As Khuselwa drives past Litha, Khuselwa asks if she wants to see something special. Hoping to be a ranger one day, Litha says yes, and the pair spot Thandi. The junior “ranger” decides to help Khuselwa with her work. As Litha watches Thandi, she sees a tranquilizer dart hit the white rhino. As the pair investigates, they are attacked by poachers.
“Khuselwa is a proud park ranger overseeing a white rhino named Thandi because poachers have been spotted nearby.”
The Last Ranger is the true story of Thandi, the white rhino. When poachers remove Thandi’s horn, the brave rangers swoop in to rescue Thandi, saving her life and allowing her to have eight babies. The Last Ranger also spotlights the danger rangers face, as hundreds are killed or injured by poachers every year.
As a film, director Cindy Lee tells a poignant story set against the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife. Lee perfectly spotlights the thankless yet vital tasks rangers perform every day. The story of The Last Ranger occurred during the pandemic when the tourism industry died out, leaving very little money available for ranger salaries.
The Last Ranger is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who protect our most vulnerable creatures. With its breathtaking African landscapes and inspiring true story, Cindy Lee crafts a film of beauty and urgency, celebrating the courage and resilience of park rangers across all of Africa.
"…beauty and urgency, celebrating the courage and resilience of park rangers."
