The Black Mambas

The World's First All-Woman

Anti-Poaching Unit

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Millbrook Press

(Lerner Publishing)

pub. 4.1.2025

40 pages

Ages 6 - 10

Author and photographer: Kelly Crull

Characters: The Black Mambas

Overview:

"The Black Mambas, South Africa's first women-led anti-poaching unit, is unlike any other: they carry no weapons. Instead, they keep animals safe with frequent patrols and a keen eye for footprints, snares, and other clues that poachers are nearby. These courageous women work in a nature reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to the largest remaining populations of white rhinos, critically endangered black rhinos, and ground pangolins, one of the most trafficked animals in the world."

Tantalizing taste:

"Our story began when we were young. Most of us had never seen the animals that live in the Olifants West Nature Reserve near our homes.

When we finally met our neighbors, we discovered that they're a lot like us.

They have families. They like to cuddle and play games. They get hungry and tired. Sometimes they argue. They stick together.

But the animals in the reserve began to disappear, especially the rhinos and the pangolins...

When we heard the reserve was hiring women to become the first female rangers in South Africa, we were first in line. Our job is to protect the animals in the reserve from poachers.

Our families weren't as excited as we were. They wondered if women could do a job that has always been done by men. They wondered what other people would think. They wondered if we would be safe...

We say to the animals in the reserve ...

We are your mothers, your aunties, and your sisters.

We are here to protect you.

The Black Mambas are on patrol!"

And something more: Kelly Crull in the Author's Note explains: "I learned many things from the rangers, but the most remarkable was their ability to see things I did not. In a spot I would have passed by without a second glance, they noticed a family of rhinos on a hill, a leopard hiding in the bushes, a small cat perched in a tree, and lions lounging in the grass.

The rangers' job is to be the eyes and ears of the reserve. Thanks to this 'visual policing,' no rhinos have been poached in Olifants West Reserve since 2013. The rangers also notice snares in the bush. According to the local game warden, snares kill more animals than anything else. And the Black Mambas have reduced snared wildlife in their reserve by 86 percent."