2025 Project
Date: January 13-17, 2025
Host: Bubye Valley Conservancy K-9 Unit
In January of 2025 The K9 Ranger Project Team will be working with 16 Ranger Teams From Across Southern Africa. In collaboration with the K9 Units the team will deliver training in Drone Integration & Operations, K9 Emergency Medicine and Preventative Care, Human TCCC, Tracking, K9 Learning Theory and Problem Solving, and Scenario Based Training.
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Meet The Team
Hannah Elkington
Team Leader/Instructor
Hannah Elkington is a Candian public safety professional with eleven years of experience in her field. For the past eight years Hannah has dedicated herself to working with, handling, and training canines. Hannah has a passion for education and is a Nepopo Gold School Graduate.
Hannah was born in South Africa and has spent much time in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2012 she completed a 200km run across the Kalahari Desert, as part of an education initiative. In 2019 Hannah found a way to tie her passion for working dogs into her love for Africa by collaborating, training, and deploying with several anti-poaching units. Hannah’s passion for conservation and supporting the work of K9 Anti-Poaching Rangers led her to forming the K9 Ranger Project.
In 2023 Hannah led the first K9 Ranger Project initiative that was hosted by Wildlife Initiative Trust in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Since then, the project has expanded to the second initiative being hosted by Bubye Valley Conservancy near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
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Jeff Burns
Instructor
Jeffrey Burns is a dedicated public safety professional who has served in law enforcement for an impressive 23 years. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, particularly in his specialized roles as a canine handler and HRD detection specialist.
With 12 years of experience in handling police canines, Jeffrey has developed valuable skills in utilizing these remarkable animals for effective law enforcement operations. One notable achievement is his establishment of a renowned human remains detection program, where he has made significant contributions as a pioneer in this critical field.
Additionally, Jeffrey has also excelled as an advanced level drone pilot, utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance operational search efficiency and effectiveness. He also brings with him prior experience in frontline policing, tactical operations, and military service.
His unwavering commitment to public safety and his diverse skill set have earned him high respect and recognition within the law enforcement community, making him an invaluable asset.
Elise Claridge
Instructor
​Elise has 14 years of military experience in both domestic and abroad operations and tasks. She’s spent most of her career working as a Medical Technician, devoted to care and delivery to soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces. Her medical specialties included: Chemical Casualty Care, Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation, Helicopter Insertion, Complex Terrain, Advanced Mountain Operations, and Airborne Insertion.
In 2023 Elise joined the K9 Ranger Project team and travelled to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe where she instructed canine and human tactical combat casualty care in conjunction with her co-instructor Evan Nolte.
Robert Aukema
Logistics Coordinator
​Robert Aukema is a dedicated public safety professional with over 17 years of experience.
In 2023 Robert travelled to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe to assist with the K9 Ranger Project. Rob worked tirelessly leading up to the project on fundraising initiatives, logistics, and planning. During the project, he assisted in the execution by managing behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure that the rangers had a meaningful experience.
Rob is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who has trained and handled several upland game and waterfowl dogs. Rob has spent time working with dogs and through his personal and professional exposure understands the value they bring to the world of conservation.