The Covid-19 pandemic dramatically impacted tourism to Africa’s safaris, leaving its wildlife largely unwatched, unprotected and vulnerable to increased poaching, the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals.

To help combat this criminal act, Samsung Europe teamed up with local technology firm, Africam and the all-female Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit to create Samsung ‘Wildlife Watch’: a customized new experience that enables anybody, anywhere in the world to act as a virtual ranger and watch over wildlife, leveraging Samsung’s latest phone technologies.

STRATEGY & EXECUTION

Using Samsung Galaxy S20 FE handsets and their cameras as a ‘surveillance system’, the team created a world of virtual rangers to ‘take watch’ at any time, supercharging the security of Africa’s most vulnerable animals.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE handsets were installed across the Balule Nature Reserve to monitor the wildlife, boosting the reach of the existing Africam infrastructure. People from around the world can tune in to the live stream via the Wildlife Watch website, watch over the animals in the park (while enjoying the spectacular panorama) and alert the Black Mambas of any suspicious or poaching activity.

Not only does the live stream allow virtual rangers to monitor the bush, it also supports the rangers in their daily tasks—the bigger pixels, enhanced camera AI and 30x Space Zoom, including 3x Optical Zoom, in the handsets have improved the quality of the photos the Black Mambas are able to take whilst on patrol.

Moreover, South Korean-born and Berlin-based, animal-loving DJ, producer and fashion designer, Peggy Gou is fronting the initiative to champion and encourage people to take part, take watch and raise awareness around the increased animal poaching.

OUTCOME

  • 1.9 Billion Impressions
  • Activated in 30+ European countries
  • Participation in 195 countries
  • 197,000 virtual rangers
  • 3740% increase in the Google searches
  • 800+ campaign coverage pieces (earned, owned, partner)