Project Rhino K9 Unit: Defending African Wildlife

Project Rhino K9 Unit: Ongoing Impact Highlights

Dear friends and supporters

We are pleased to share an update on the ongoing impact of the Project Rhino K9-Unit and our collaborative conservation efforts. Thanks to your continued support, our team has made meaningful strides in safeguarding wildlife, supporting law enforcement, and promoting conservation awareness across KwaZulu-Natal.

The Project Rhino K9-Unit continues to play a critical role in combating wildlife crime and supporting conservation efforts across the province. Over the past 36-months, the K9-Unit has removed 3,374 snares, responded to 269 emergency callouts, and facilitated the arrest of 50 criminals. We have also assisted in apprehending 21 illegal immigrants and retrieved numerous illegal weapons and contraband, including six firearms, fourteen .375 rounds of ammunition, knives, and a carpenter saw.

In partnership with SAPS and private reserves, the K9-Unit has been instrumental in recovering stolen goods from 28 separate incidents, retrieving nine hijacked vehicles, and responding to ten armed robbery and burglary cases. Wildlife-specific operations led to the recovery of six poached rhino horns from four vehicles. Our anti-trafficking efforts also resulted in the seizure of approximately 6kg of narcotics, two truckloads of counterfeit goods worth R15 million, and a major bust involving Colombian cocaine and illegal cigarettes of the same value.

These efforts are significantly enhanced by the ongoing support of the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing (ZAP-Wing), which flew 1,463.5 hours over the reporting period. Their aerial surveillance helped detect 16 poached rhinos and two wounded animals, both of which were successfully treated. Four orphaned calves were rescued and relocated to safety, while 14 poisoned vultures were found and reported. ZAP-Wing also disrupted illegal fishing activities, located escaped elephant bulls threatening local communities, and supported reserve security during incidents involving illegal dog poachers. Their assistance has proven vital in reducing helicopter time needed for rhino dehorning and collaring operations.

Equally important is our continued investment in conservation education. A total of 43,938 learners have been reached with vital messages around wildlife protection and environmental stewardship. These outreach efforts are shaping future generations to value and protect our natural heritage.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and partners - your contributions are truly making a difference, and we thank you sincerely for standing with us in this important work.