Paws on Patrol: Canine Unit in Action

Over the past month, our canine unit has been diligently working in collaboration with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and our partners at the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) to safeguard the wildlife within our concession. This month has seen an increase in poaching activity due to the abundance of wildebeest migrating through the area.

In July alone, the canine unit participated in 14 joint operations, strategically enhancing our anti-poaching efforts by combining the expertise of our game scouts with the unmatched tracking abilities of our trained dogs.

One notable incident on August 2nd showcased the remarkable capabilities of our canine unit. During a morning patrol, game scouts and TAWA rangers encountered a group of poachers attempting to flee on motorbikes. The swift response by the teams forced the poachers to abandon their bikes and escape on foot. Our game scouts immediately called in the canine unit, and Radar, one of our skilled dogs, was deployed.

Radar’s performance was exceptional, as he tracked the poachers’ trail for over seven kilometres, leading our teams to a neighboring community called Motukeri. Although the poachers managed to blend in with the community members, preventing further pursuit, Radar’s determination and expertise were instrumental.

Our canine unit is not just a group of working dogs; they are essential members of our conservation team. We ensure they receive the highest level of care, including rigorous training and regular health check-ups. We recently had them vaccinated against insect-borne diseases, a crucial measure to keep them healthy.

As we reflect on the past month, we are immensely proud and grateful for the extraordinary work done by Radar and the entire canine unit. We remain committed to supporting them in every way possible, ensuring they continue to play a vital role in our conservation success stories.

To support our canine unit, please click here.