Tony the Anti-Poaching Dog Retires After Eight Years Protecting Wildlife

Every hero has their time in the spotlight, and for Tony, that spotlight came not on a stage, but in the dusty tracks and thick bush of the Serengeti. With his sharp nose and unbreakable spirit, Tony has spent eight devoted years with the anti-poaching team, protecting wildlife on the frontlines of conservation.

Tony is beginning a new chapter as he retires in Usa River, a town just outside Arusha in Tanzania, where former staff members will welcome him into their home filled with love, companionship and care.Tony’s anti-poaching journey began in the United States, and ironically, he did not start out as the picture of discipline. As a pet to a military family, he had a habit of breaking rules, often digging under fences to escape and run wild around the base. That unstoppable energy, once a challenge, turned out to be Tony’s greatest gift. His Labrador spirit, drive, energy, and eagerness to serve made him an ideal candidate for Grumeti Fund’s anti-poaching team.

His American family donated him to the American Society of Canine Trainers (ASCT), and over the course of a year, Tony received intensive training, developing the skills that would later make him a formidable force against poaching. In 2017, Tony boarded a flight from the United States to Tanzania, where he became a charismatic and critical part of the Grumeti Fund team.

A Nose for Conservation

Tony’s specialty was area detection, a skill that made him invaluable in locating hidden snares. Since joining our anti-poaching team in 2017, Tony has detected countless snares and contributed significantly to many arrests.

With every find, another wild animal was saved from suffering, and another part of the ecosystem was protected.

“The canine unit is one of the most effective tools in modern conservation,” says Glen Steyn, Anti-Poaching Manager. “Dogs like Tony bring unique skills that no technology can match. They can detect what we cannot see, track where we cannot go, and give us an edge in protecting wildlife. Just as important as their presence, which lifts the spirits of our scouts and reminds us why we fight to protect nature.”

A Lasting Legacy

Tony’s eight years of service left a memorable mark. It was felt not only by the wildlife he helped to protect but also by the human team he worked with. The bond with his handler, built on trust, loyalty, and countless hours in the field, became the heart of his legacy. Together, they were more than a team; they were a family.

“As the best detection dog I have ever worked with, Tony was more than just a partner to me,” says Mugoye Sesera, Canine Unit Supervisor. “I have been with him from the very beginning in 2017, and in that time, he became more than a dog. He was my teammate, my companion, and a true friend.”

 

More Than a Dog

Tony’s story goes beyond the work of a hardworking Labrador.

It is a reminder of the extraordinary role that dogs play in conservation. While technology evolves, there are some things only a dog can do. With every snare Tony uncovered, every poacher he helped track, and every act of loyalty he gave his team, he proved that protecting wildlife is not only about the skills and strategy, but about heart and devotion.

By the end of 2025, Mawenzi, a 3-year-old German Shepherd from Montana State in the USA, will join the team, continuing the work that Tony dedicated his time to. Mawenzi specialises in human tracking and is currently training with Karin Wagemann, owner of the Nine Realms Canine Training.

As Tony enjoys his retirement, his legacy carries on – in the next generation of canine recruits, in the scouts he inspired, and in the conservation areas he helped protect.

Here’s to Tony: a resolute protector of wildlife, a loyal companion in service, and a name forever honoured.