The rangers gather for
a meal at camp. The
entire team follows a
vegan diet, a rule set
by Mander to avoid
animal cruelty and
support sustainable
food choices. “Food
is an important part
of the program,” he
says. When Akashinga
was formed, Mander
enlisted the help of
Nicola Kagoro—known
as Chef Cola (center-
right, with glasses)—
to create nutritional,
calorie-rich meals that
were plant based. “My
job is to make sure they
have enough energy
to do their job in the
field,” she says.WHO BETTER
TO PROTECT
EXPLOITED
WILDLIFE
THAN WOMEN
WHO’D SUFFERED
EXPLOITATION
THEMSELVES?118 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC