Carrying Forward Clark Lungren’s Dream for African Wildlife and People

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clark Gordon Lungren on September 14, 2025, in Burkina Faso.

Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, Clark’s life was devoted to building bridges between people and the natural world. Arriving in what was then Haute-Volta as a toddler in 1954, Clark grew up among the villages and landscapes that would shape his calling. His kindness, humor, love of languages, and ability to speak to anyone - from village elders to international conservationists - made him a trusted guide and a beloved friend across continents.

Over a career that spanned five decades, Clark co-founded Nazinga Game Ranch, where, under his guided leadership, the wildlife population grew twentyfold over 18 years, transforming a depleted savannah into a thriving ecosystem and model of community-based conservation. Later, he established the Ferme de Démonstration de Wedbila (Demonstration Farm of Wedbila or “the Farm”), a 75-hectare (185-acre) farm now home to 150 animals representing 29 species, employing and training local youth to show that wildlife farming could offer families a future beyond poaching. Even through economic challenges - including a significant revenue loss through COVID-19 - Clark remained steadfast in his dream. He was driven to reintroduce lost species like the red-necked ostrich and restore the land for generations to come. In the last decade, the Farm has received well over 100,000 visitors, including local school children, families, and Forestry and Environment personnel for training.

Clark will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he touched. His vast wisdom and vivid storytelling of his time in the bush will live on in every antelope and elephant that grazes at Nazinga and through every trainee who now supports their family through the skills he shared. He will be buried on Monday, Sept 22, 2025, on the Farm, close to the animals he loved so much.

The family invites those who wish to extend gestures in memory of Clark to donate towards the continuance of his work at the Ferme de Démonstration de Wedbila and his NGO, CDPF (Centre pour la Démonstration de Production Faunique). Contributions will directly support animal care, habitat restoration, community training, and expanding Clark’s vision for wildlife and people to flourish in coexistence.

Your generosity ensures that this dream carries forward. The Lungren family and CDPF board will share updates so you can witness the ongoing impact of your gift.

Below are links showing some of the farm, his work, and the importance to Burkina:

https://lefaso.net/spip.php?article140844

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazinga_Game_Ranch

In Clark’s memory, please consider donating to carry forward his legacy of conservation and community empowerment in Burkina Faso.

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