For generations the African wilderness has captured the hearts and minds of adventurers, explorers, nature lovers, artists, writers - the list goes on. For those who have been to Africa, they leave feeling an inexplicable link to the continent, forever captured by her austere nature and beauty. Children all over the world learn early in life how to roar like lions and trumpet like elephants. It is a dream of many children and
adults alike to one day see these animals in the wild. Having walked with elephants, I cannot imagine a world without them, and yet the reality remains that we might lose these magnificent creatures due to poaching, corruption and land conflict. What then? What will be left for our children, and their children?
There is hope however, and time left to protect and preserve Africa’s endangered wildlife - that hope lies in the people of Africa and in each of us. Many Africans have dedicated their lives to the conservation of endangered species - some of the most inspiring are the K9 Anti-Poaching Rangers. These incredible rangers and their K9 partners are a force to be reckoned with in the fight against wildlife crime. The South African Wildlife College has come to refer to the K9 Anti-Poaching Units as “Game Changers” taking the apprehension rate from as low as 3.5% to 54% when responding to incidents of poaching. If ever there has been hope for endangered wildlife it lies in the hands and paws of a well trained K9 and their handler.
K9 Anti-Poaching Units across Africa face many challenges, including a lack of funding, equipment, and access to high level training. The K9 Ranger Project was founded to help support these units and address some of the challenges they face.
The K9 Ranger Project was formed by a team of volunteers who specialize in training working canines and handlers. Members of the project bring a wealth of lived and learned experience, having worked in special operations units, law enforcement, conservation, or as internationally recognized canine trainers.
In November of 2023 the K9 Ranger Project will be partnering with Wildlife Initiative Trust Africa to deliver a week long training seminar to over 50 K9 Anti-Poaching Rangers in Zimbabwe. The seminar will focus on topics such as human and canine combat casualty care, detection, tracking, grip work, and other canine related topics. The goal of the seminar is to enhance operational capacity and effectiveness of the K9 Anti-Poaching Units who attend. This seminar will be free of charge and attendees will be provided with instructional materials and equipment that will enhance their operations in their fight against wildlife crime.
Our team needs your help to make the K9 Ranger Project a reality. If you would like to support our team, please consider donating or attending one of our fundraising events. The funds raised will be used to help facilitate the seminar, purchase instructional material and vital canine equipment. Together we can ensure the future of Africa’s endangered species and make this project a success.