Project Rhino K9 Unit: Defending African Wildlife

Although we cannot reveal all the details for security reasons, the Project Rhino K9-Unit has been kept incredibly busy, responding to a number of emergency incidents over the reporting period. These call-outs included day and night patrols, road blocks, the detection of contraband items, tracking of animals and suspected criminals, as well as assisting local law enforcement and anti-poaching unit (APU) teams in the apprehension of suspects. One of the team’s biggest successes was in assisting Alpha Security (a private security company) to seize R800,000 of counterfeit items.

When they are not in the field, the K9-Unit can be found assisting the South African Police Services (SAPS) in their criminal cases, or training with other APUs in the area. The dogs also conduct training exercises with our aerial patrol wing (ZAP-Wing) to ensure that they are fully ready to respond when an incident occurs.

The K9 team went beyond the call of duty and assisted us in our “Skydive for Rhino,” fundraising initiative, which took place at the Hluhluwe ZAP-Wing base in August. The four-day event was a great success as more than 90 people showed their support for Project Rhino by tandem-jumping out of a perfectly safe aeroplane. The funds raised by the campaign will be used to support the ZAP-Wing and K9-Units (covering two to three months’ operational costs). We are in urgent need of new tyres for our response vehicle, as well as shade cloth for the kennels to help keep our dogs cool. Our vehicle is also in need of a new bumper (fender) and we are actively trying to find funding for these items as soon as we can.

Sad news is that Phoenix, our Belgian Malinois tracking dog, is showing signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, after being witness to at least nine incidents involving gunfire. We are currently looking for a suitable home where Phoenix can enjoy being a “regular” dog in early retirement. Bailey is already showing great potential in replacing her, and young Spook (just eight months old) is also proving herself more than capable in both tracking and detection.

Thank you to all our GlobalGiving partners, friends and donors for your ongoing support. A special thank you to One Plan Insurance, who sponsors our insurance cover for both dogs and handlers. One Plan includes regular updates on our K9-Unit on their website and even joined us at a fancy dress and fundraiser organised by Riverleigh International Equestrian Centre in Gauteng. Thank you for making a difference.