On The Scent: Meet the Dogs Protecting 200 Rhinos

It's time for the latest update from the Ol Pejeta K9 Unit.

In our last update we shared the good news that we had welcomed three new puppies to the K9 team - Bedzer, Watson and Keena.  Now, 10 months old, they have spent the last seven months being put through rigorous training to prepare them for their vital role in anti-poaching operations - we expect many more months of training before they're ready for deployment. 

In addition to their anti-poaching efforts, the rest of the K9 Unit has been actively involved in community safety initiatives. The unit has responded to 24 incidents since July, primarily involving disputes within the local communities surrounding Ol Pejeta. By working closely with local communities, we're helping to create a safer environment where wildlife and people can co-exist harmoniously. 

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by rhino poaching, the K9 Unit has achieved significant successes. The unit's presence acts as a powerful deterrent to poachers, and their ability to track suspects and locate hidden weapons has been instrumental in disrupting poaching operations. However, the threat of poaching remains high, and we must continue to invest in innovative strategies to protect rhinos and other endangered species.

Your generous donations have made a profound impact on the work of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Thanks to your support, we have been able to expand the K9 Unit, provide essential training for our dogs, and support community safety initiatives. Your contributions are helping to protect rhinos and other wildlife, and we're deeply grateful for your generosity.

We're delighted to bring you the latest update from our K9 team this quarter!

As always, our handlers and their canine partners have been busy on the frontlines of conservation. Over the past three months, the team has responded to a 83 incidents of Human Wildlife Conflict and provided support in an additional 23 cases where their skills were crucial.

Our dedicated handlers of twelve certainly have their hands full, and that's not all! We're thrilled to announce the arrival of three brand new bloodhound pups Bedzer, Watson and Keena to the K9 anti-poaching unit. These future guardians will be trained to carry on the legacy of protecting Ol Pejeta's endangered wildlife.

With their incredible sense of smell and tracking abilities, these bloodhounds are destined to become anti-poaching heroes. Just like their predecessors, they'll undergo rigorous training in tracking, obedience, and scent hunting. We're happy to report that they're already showing tremendous progress with their skills in scent hunting, scent discrimination, and discipline developing beautifully!

Your continued support is essential. It allows us to provide comprehensive training, advanced equipment, and ongoing professional development for both our handlers and canine heroes. This ensures they remain in optimal health, well-trained, and prepared to tackle any challenge they may face in the field.

Thank you for being a part of our mission to achieve zero poaching on the Conservancy. Your generosity continues to make a measurable difference.