Hilton Yala Resort’s Rangers’ Team has achieved another significant milestone in professional wildlife guiding and conservation education, with multiple team members successfully earning CyberTracker Track & Sign certifications following an intensive evaluation programme conducted at Yala National Park.
The certifications were awarded under the internationally recognised CyberTracker Conservation evaluation system, developed by renowned conservationist and scientist Louis Liebenberg. The CyberTracker standard is widely regarded as the global benchmark for assessing wildlife tracking skills and ecological observation.
The successful candidates were awarded Track & Sign I, Track & Sign II, and Track & Sign III Secondary Certificates, demonstrating their proficiency in identifying and interpreting animal tracks, signs, behaviour, and ecological interactions in natural environments.
The assessments were conducted by internationally respected wildlife tracking experts Mr. Lee Gutteridge and Dr. Kersey Lawrence (PhD), who recently returned to Hilton Yala Resort to lead an advanced wildlife tracking and ecology programme.
Mr. Gutteridge is the founder of Nature Guide Training, one of Southern Africa’s most respected field guide training institutions. With more than three decades of field experience, Lee is one of only a handful of FGASA Scout Guides—the highest guiding qualification awarded by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). He is also a Master Tracker, wildlife author, CyberTracker evaluator, and guide trainer whose graduates work at some of Africa’s finest safari lodges.
Joining him was Dr. Lawrence, founder of Original Wisdom, scientist, educator, and internationally recognised tracking specialist. Dr. Lawrence is the first woman in the world to earn the title of Senior Tracker within the CyberTracker system and is also a qualified CyberTracker evaluator. Her doctoral research focused on the ecology and culture of tracking, and she has become a leading voice in ecological literacy and wildlife tracking education globally.
“The enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by the Hilton Yala Rangers throughout the evaluation process were truly impressive,” said Mr. Gutteridge. “Tracking is one of the most powerful ways to understand wildlife and ecosystems, and these certifications reflect the team’s commitment to developing world-class field skills that enhance both conservation and guest experiences.”
“What stood out throughout the programme was the team’s willingness to learn, observe, and continually refine their understanding of the natural world,” said Dr. Lawrence. “The ability to read the stories written across the landscape through tracks and signs is a skill that requires patience, curiosity, and dedication. It is encouraging to see such passion for wildlife tracking and conservation here in Sri Lanka.”
Hilton Yala’s Rangers’ Team is led by Sajith Withanage, Head Ranger, Sri Lanka’s first FGASA-certified field guide and a CyberTracker Track & Sign Professional, whose efforts have helped establish Hilton Yala’s ranger programme as one of the most advanced wildlife interpretation teams in the country. The resort’s rangers are trained to international standards and lead guests through immersive wildlife experiences rooted in conservation, ecology, and education.
“I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved,” said Sajith Withanage, Head Ranger at Hilton Yala Resort. “These certifications are the result of countless hours spent in the field learning, observing, and refining our skills. To be evaluated and recognised by internationally respected experts such as Mr. Lee Gutteridge and Dr. Kersey Lawrence is a tremendous achievement. More importantly, it strengthens our ability to interpret the wilderness for our guests while contributing to the broader understanding and conservation of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.”
As Hilton’s only wildlife resort globally, Hilton Yala Resort continues to invest in the professional development of its Rangers’ Team, ensuring guests benefit from experiences led by highly trained wildlife professionals. From safari drives and birdwatching excursions to ecology walks and conservation-focused experiences, the resort remains committed to delivering authentic encounters that deepen appreciation for the natural world.
This latest achievement further reinforces Hilton Yala’s position as a leader in wildlife interpretation, conservation education, and nature-based hospitality in Sri Lanka.