Project Rhino K9 Unit: Defending African Wildlife

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Another year has gone by in a blink! Every year brings new challenges, but thanks to you, the Project Rhino K9-Unit continues to make a tremendous impact on wildlife and other crimes in the Zululand region.

In nine months, the K9-Unit removed 616 snares whilst on patrol, responded to 85 emergency callouts, assisted in the apprehension of 26 criminals and bushmeat poachers and were instrumental in the recovery of narcotics and counterfeit goods worth some USD 874,000! The Project Rhino K9 rangers, as well as the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing, work daily alongside KZN Government reserve rangers (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), the South African Police Service and the HAWKS. Together, they responded to ten armed robbery / burglary cases, recovered stolen goods from 12 incidents, and successfully recovered seven high jacked vehicles in the period.

Our rangers and K9s are on call 24/7, work in tough terrain and extreme weather conditions. Criminal syndicates involved in wildlife crime are highly organised, extremely dangerous, and often involved in other forms of serious crime. It is not uncommon for those working in anti-poaching (including the K9-Units) to be intimidated or receive death threats. Here is an extract from one of the 2022 reports (some information has been redacted & paraphrased to protect the identities of persons involved).

Weather Conditions: Night

The K9-Team received a call-out to assist in the apprehension of murder suspects. We received information that the suspects were travelling in a hi-jacked vehicle... On reaction, the (K9 Officer) intercepted the vehicle on the road. Shots were fired from the suspects’ vehicle at the (K9 Officer). A high-speed chase followed in which gun fire continued with speeds up to 160km per hour...

This is just one example of a callout that the team may receive at any time – over and above their daily patrols and support to rhino owners and game reserves. It should also be mentioned that just the visible presence of the team in an area has a crime inhibiting function. Foot patrols, vehicle check points, fence checks and snare removal all result in reduced incursions and prevent loss of wildlife and biodiversity.

We are incredibly proud of our K9-Unit and all they do to keep our rhinos and conservation areas safe. A huge, heartfelt thank you to all our partners and supporters for making their work possible. We hope it is a safe, healthy, and productive 2023!