When the Grevy’s Zebra Trust was founded in 2007, Rikapo was one of its foundational pillars. Without his dedication in those early days, the Trust would not be the successful conservation organization that it is today.  Rikapo was a steady leader on the Trust team for 11 years, serving in several different roles, most recently as the Regional Coordinator in El Barta, a position that he filled with fearless determination.

Rikapo is a role model for many of his peers. In 2009 he was selected for the prestigious Disney Conservation Hero Award to honour his dedication to Grevy’s zebra conservation. Despite not being able to finish secondary school due to his family’s financial circumstances, Rikapo learnt to fluently speak, read and write English through his work, and in 2013 graduated with honors from the Southern African Wildlife College.

Since 2014, Rikapo led the Trust’s peace-building efforts in El Barta to improve the area’s stability and protect Grevy’s zebra, a cause that he was passionate about, and which saved and continues to many human lives.

Rikapo inspired the kind of dedication to communities and to wildlife, and especially Grevy’s zebra, that runs throughout our work. We are so grateful for all he taught us, and it is through all of us that Rikapo’s loyalty and devotion to Grevy’s zebra will continue on; even in his absence, Rikapo will continue to be a role model and guiding light for us all.