General Johan Jooste qualifies the canine involvement in anti-poaching rather simply by saying, “They are game changers”. And they truly are. Today, Kruger’s canine unit sees about 52 dogs operating in a Big Five area that many now call a war zone. On a recent trip to Kruger, I learned that these hardworking dogs have many different functions, including tracking poachers in the park and detecting contraband at entrance and exit points.
The canine function is so important that I was keen to get involved and help out. And because doggies tug on everyone’s heartstrings, there is often an outpouring from the public wanting to assist Kruger’s canines. But hearts, funds and help must be pointed in the right direction.
The K9 Centre in the Kruger National Park, managed by Johan De Beer, was initially established to bring in dogs and handlers for training, re-training and evaluations. Dogs are also brought to the centre when handlers are on leave. However, Grant Coleman, chairman of the Lowveld Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, believes that the centre’s function as a training ground for dogs and handlers will become far bigger than originally planned. Grant says that the K9 Centre could very well become “a centre of knowledge – radiating information out to other centres and parks. But this transfer of knowledge comes with a cost. Transferring information between organisations means that Kruger’s K9 Centre needs to grow and develop. Just by working at the centre, we realised, sometimes daily, that the needs are growing. For instance, a small clinic, an auditorium, obstacle courses, and storage are a few important items we now know we need.”
The SANParks Honorary Rangers have adopted the K9 Centre and taken it under their wing. The Lowveld Region, being the closest region to the centre, coordinates all activities, maintenance, duties, and fundraising that may occur at the centre. The SANParks Honorary Rangers have committed to assist the K9 Centre under the “Project Watchdog” banner. Project Watchdog is a registered project within SANParks through which the Honorary Rangers can officially assist the canine operation in Kruger and the other national parks with canine units. To date, the SANParks Honorary Rangers have purchased trauma kits, donated a few dogs, implemented vet training for handlers, worked on maintaining the centre, established a Hero’s Acre, assisted in general duties at the centre, and are currently looking at building new kennels at ranger posts… to name but a few of the projects underway.
All monies raised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers for Project Watchdog go back to the canine operations in totality. This means that 100% goes back to where it was intended. The canine unit is regularly offered expertise, dogs, training, assistance to help in operations, etc. But Grant believes that “the willing public needs to be aware that the expertise, training, and dogs are all in place. The need for new dogs has nearly reached saturation point. The emphasis these days is not on the supply of the dogs but rather on the support of the dogs and their handlers in the field. About 52 dogs are currently operating in Kruger alongside their dedicated handlers. The dogs need support as they continue to work in a Big Five area that has basically been turned into a war zone, operating in difficult and testing situations. Medical equipment, food, transport boxes, mobile kennels, and permanent kennels are but a few of the items needed to keep this four-legged force mobilised. The best way to support the canine efforts in SANParks is to support the SANParks Honorary Ranger Initiatives. If anyone would like to assist, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.”
In the near future, the K9 Centre intends to start an “Adopt a Dog” programme, where the public can support the dogs through minimal financial help. This support will give the donor access to information on the progress of the dog they have ‘adopted’. They will be able to see their dog’s challenges and successes on a monthly or quarterly basis, and their financial support will assist the dog and handler in being more effective in their daily anti-poaching operations. In keeping with this line of thinking, the official SANParks – Kruger National Park Facebook group recently raised over ZAR35,000 for the K9 Centre through an initiative pioneered by SANPark’s guide and Safari Guide of the Year, Jaco Buys. This money will officially be handed over on 7th August at a ceremony arranged and hosted by the Lowveld Honorary Rangers to Xolani Nicholus Funda, Chief Ranger of anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park. The money will be used to adopt the fees and well-being of one of the dogs that will be handed over on the day.
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