K9 Conservation

13/04/2024

The joys of taking on a poachers dog and getting him on your side. K9 Insimbi.
This was a couple days post-rescue. Nsimbi has since become a much more relaxed, balanced K9.. loving life. Our little spy.

06/04/2024

Listen to the late Credo

Check out _DBLACKOUTV.Ent_🔎’s video.

05/04/2024

18/02/2024

Update on Kalandra blue Weimaraner that i was gifted at our wedding that Anke de Rosner brought as wedding gift. After effects of snake bite by a Mozambique spitting cobra that I posted a few days ago yes the venom caused necrotic tissue damage but she is doing much better now. Thank you Hoedspruit Reptile Park for the Anti Venom and Provets for treatment on the night of the bite and Aardvark Vets Illana for your follow up treatments she is now recieving, K9 Conservation appreciates all your support

13/01/2024

Huge thanks to Ilana and JP from Aardvark Wildlife & veterinary services who assisted with the darting of a young male lion who managed to breach a fence on Thursday evening. He was later released back to safety on the game reserve 🦁

23/10/2023

It is with great sadness that K9 Anubis passed over the Golden Rainbow Bridge Yesterday. Anubis will always be remembered as a true legend of K9 Conservation. We buried him next to his faithful friend Landa at the bottom of our training ground. Thank you Anubis for your unwavering loyalty and bravery and dedication to K9 Conservation you were a true protector of the wild.
~ Conraad

Anubis
07/04/2012 - 22/10/2023

At the Duat's gate
A shadow appeared
And humbly asked if it could enter
Anubis looked down and when he saw
A fourlegged spirit standing before him
He could not stop the tear from escaping him
And as he knelt down, placing his hand on the black dog's head, he said

"You are entering now another world
And leaving the one of men behind
Are you prepared to face the scales now
And measure your heart against the feather light?"
The old dog gave a brave step forward
His body worn and weary from its earthly fight
"I am," he said with nothing to fear
For a part of his heart was left behind
to coax his human's tears

The guardian looked at the old dog and called the Others to come and see
"Come and welcome this heroic canine and pay tribute to his deeds,
His heart and soul was always strong and never faltered in his fight against humanity's greed"

Worry not to pay the boatman
Your loyalty and bravery has already covered your fee
Go right ahead and make yourself at home
There's cool water and food under a shady tree and every loved one that has crossed the rainbow bridge"

The old dogs eyes grew hazy, but clearly he could see
The others leap and bounding towards him
Ears and tails flying, familiar barks and footfalls greeted him

"What about my master?" The loyal dog asked turning back once more
The Guarding nod and smiled, he's heard this all before
Feel free to visit him if you wish,
In fact I think it needed
That every once and then you check on him while he is dreaming
But before you know it will be him
Weighing his heart against the feather
And when the time comes you'll be with him again
Forever in your heaven

~AdR

11/10/2023

Yesterday's traditional potjiekos for a group of day visitors.
October has been an action-packed month, so far! Not only in the field, but also with volunteers, film crews and demonstration days. Thank you to each and every person that has showed their support and shared our passion.

27/08/2023

Yesterday was Dog Appreciation Day!!
Our post is a day late, but that is because EVERY day is dog appreciation day for us.
We literally would not be able to do this without them.

They are not only our incorruptible allies, but also our teachers, companions, protectors, and most important of all... our family.
In the long hours away from home, in the adrenalin fuelled chase and the dark nights standing between the criminals and the beings we live to protect, there is always a loyal heart and a happy tail beside us.

And for that, we owe them the world.

Image 1- Family Portrait by Wojtec Koziara
Image 2- K9 Anubis by Alexandra Sharp
Image 3- The late K9 Niburu and his handler by Anke de Rosner
Image 4- K9 Jock by Alexandra Sharp

13/08/2023

Huge show of support and appreciation from Southern Cross Schools with lots of donated items for our precious dogs. Our rangers did a K9 demo for the eager school kids and had lots of fun. Thank you so much to the school and the ongoing support for our hard working staff and dogs!!! Donated items that cannot be used will be passed onto Paws Hoedspruit ⭐️💪🐕❤️

17/03/2023

It's Frequently Asked Friday!
Here is a question that pops up often.

"Do the rangers encounter dangerous animals often?"

The short answer is, yes. By nature of what we do, we are surrounded by wildlife all the time. The important part is to do it in a safe manner, respect the animal's space and don't become reckless as you spend more time around them.
That being said- every animal has the potential of being dangerous or acting threatened and feeling the need to defend itself. Especially wounded animals or mothers with young.

The following animals are considered dangerous game; buffalo, crocodile, elephant, leopard, white- and black rhino, and hippo. The last one may come as a surprise, and many people who do not know them well will underestimate them, but Hippo kill more humans in Africa than any other animal.
Snakes and scorpions are probably the most common dangerous creatures we come across, and unfortunately we have lost dogs to both of these.

But encountering dangerous game can be done in a safe manner; rangers are experienced and well-trained in how to work around them, understand their warning signs, and respect their space. Close encounters should not occur if one can prevent it.
The dogs are also habituated to the presence of animals in the field and trained not to react to their presence in a way that might disturb or agitate wildlife. This can sometimes be hard to do, as they are selected for their high drive. One of the ways we approach this obstacle, is that we do not allow the dogs to consume any carcass meat or hides, this is to prevent the dogs from associating wildlife with food or enrichment.

Do you have any questions for next week's Frequently asked Friday? Feel free to post them in the comments.

Photograph by Joe Watson

03/03/2023

World Wildlife Day

More than a million species are staggering around the brink of extinction as we speak.
We as humans need to make a collective effort in order to make our co-existance on this planet less detrimental to the survival of others.

Unfortunately, the poacher is not the only culprit.
People who litter, who use poison to kill insects and animals, who allow sewage to end up in our water bodies... the list goes on and on.
We are all to blame.

You do not need a conservation degree or a job title to make a difference.
Conservation starts at home, with education and better choices.

Photograph by Joe Watson

03/03/2023

If only we lived in a world where animals didn't face the horrendous trauma that Thandi faced.. Her fighting spirit is an inspiration to us all.

Well done to everyone who fought to save her. 👏

27/02/2023

Remember K9 Baron?

Baron is a GSD x Husky who came from a rehoming background.
He was a sure favorite with guests and anyone who met him and we figured you'd like an update on him.

Baron-Curtis now belongs to Canines for Africa who sponsored him to a reserve in Zimbabwe.

Baron is now a fully operational ivory detection dog- burried, hidden on vehicles, houses- you name it, he'll search and find it!

We are extremely proud of how far he's come in such a short time. Baron is living proof that it is not only purpose-bred working dogs who can do the job, but that it comes down to the heart and soul of the individual dog.

24/02/2023

It's Frequently Asked Friday!

We will be posting a series of answers to questions that are often asked by the general public.

Are there any questions you would like to know about the dogs or our jobs? Feel free to list them in the comments.

Q, "What happens when a dog retires?"

A: It depends! Young puppies destined for working lives grow up with our families, well-socialized and loved up until they are ready for the serious stuff. They become part of our families, and so often, when the harness is taken off for the last time, they return to our homes and live out their couch-potato lives. (Very well-deserved, too!)
Generally, canines retire between ages 8 - 10 years of age, depending on their general health and well-being. More often than not, they do not want the abrupt lifestyle change and so they will be semi-retired and gradually, as they feel like they do not have the energy anymore, they show us when they are ready to stay home.

Older dogs make incredible mentors for the pups in training, and will go out in the field together. Pups look up to the senior dogs, and learn directly from them. This mentorship 'training method' has proved invaluable to us in terms of the upbringing and the foundation work for upcoming working dogs.

In the cases where dogs have built unbreakable close bonds with their handlers over the years, we will give the handler the first option of adopting the dog. A strict contract is signed, home-checks are performed to ensure that his personal home is suitable to house the former working dog, and the dog becomes his own.

Each situation and each dog is different. We pride ourselves in how we view the upbringing and eventual golden years of our trusty friends, as we know that many people, unfortunately, view working animals as "easily disposable," which is not just unethical, but extremely selfish and cruel.
They work their hearts out for us, and we repay them in the kindness and comfort that they deserve.

Photo of K9 Landa, who lived out his retirement, and conquered every obstacle in his life with bravery, including cancer in the end.

23/02/2023

Your feel-good video for today 💕

21/02/2023

Volunteer Testimonial- Jared Leone

I came out to Hoedspruit in July of 2022 on the volunteer program with K9 conservation and had an incredible experience.
After stepping foot on African soil for the first time and arriving to a warm welcome, I enjoyed the best sunrise of my life at the guest cottage and hit the ground running.
I spent invaluable time with Conraad on land and reserves I would have never been able to access otherwise. I learned much from him of the bush, the real situation on the ground, and the ins and outs of an operational anti-poaching unit. Conraad is an incredibly capable and experienced tracker and warrior and you won't meet a better mentor or a more honest man. His dogs' loyalty and love for him is a testament to that. I have very fond memories out in the bush with him and the loyal Hashtag (his trusty canine) and some unique wildlife encounters and adventures.
After spending additional time with him on a large big 5 reserve with some highly capable field rangers I had the opportunity to join in on a dog handler training.
Conraad and Anke were incredibly accommodating in making this happen, and were great mentors on my journey. The dog handler training was run primarily by Anke, which was ideal as she is a very gifted trainer and teacher (and ranger) with great knowledge and experience to share on countless relevant subjects. She has a very special, unique, and genuine two way connection with animals and an amazing bond with her canine Jock.
I spent time learning about the art of tracking in the beautiful South African bush with some incredible dogs (shoutout to Mpisi) that K9 conservation did an incredible job training. I learned and honed many skills and gained very unique experience. It's a time in my life I'll always cherish, I will always have a place in my heart for the K9 conservation family, and Conraad and Anke will always be 2 of my most favorite people.
South Africa has the best meat, I miss Hoedspruit.

-Dr. Jared S Leone,
Head of kicking ass
Hard Knocks University

19/02/2023

Yesterday was World Pangolin Day, celebrating an elusive and very complex mammal that is relatively unknown by most people. Whilst it is an honor to assist in the apprehension of their smugglers and retrieve them from the illegal wildlife trade, we take our hats off to the heroes who continue the rescue mission after arrests have been made- the dedicated vets and rehabilitation centers who are fighting tirelessly for their survival, the volunteers and carers, the fundraisers, the researchers, the people fighting in court for good prosecution... The list goes on.
No act is too small, no aid goes unappreciated.
May we still, decades from now, celebrate the Pangolin as a LIVING icon.

Photograph by Joe Watson

07/12/2022

In a series of pre-dawn raids yesterday, police arrested nine additional suspects linked to David Chikwa Maluleke and Solly Ubisi , the dirty Kruger National Park rangers who were busted earlier this year by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team. They allegedly provided tactical information to rhino poaching syndicates in exchange for large sums of money.

NINE SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING

3 December 2022

MPUMALANGA: Nine suspects aged between (22) and (61) were arrested during multidisciplinary integrated take down operation "Blood Orange" conducted in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo provinces respectively by the Hawks based Mpumalanga Serious Corruption Investigation, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation,Mpumalanga and Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation Crime Intelligence ,Tactical Responce Team and Local Criminal Record Centre during the early hours of Friday, 02 December 2022.

The arrest follows a comprehensive investigation which included their financial affairs. KPMG was co-opted to do the financial investigation of the money flow into accounts of suspects.

It is alleged that the two main accused who were previously arrested on 24 April 2022 and charged with corruption, money laundering and fraud linked to wildlife trafficking provided tactical information to rhino poaching syndicates in exchange for substantial sums of money which were transferred into the bank accounts of the family members who received gratification and benefited out of that money hence their arrest. Maluleke and Ubisi were released on bail by the Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court and their case was postponed to 07 December 2022 for the arrest of the other suspects who were arrested today.

Joint search & seizure operation under the same operational project Blood Orange was conducted in Gauteng Province on the same day by members of Gauteng DPCI, TOMS, SAPS K9 Endangered species and EMI from DFFE at Sunnyridge Primrose.

During the search a Volvo motor vehicle fitted with hidden compartment was searched and inside was a black sports bag containing suspected rhino horn shavings. A small room was discovered next to garage suspected to be used for rhino horn processing whereby a large band saw, scales, grinders, grinding discs and a hand scanner commonly used to detect micros chips, various financial documents and digital devices were found and seized for further investigation.

The vehicle was also confiscated and handed in at Van Rijn Deep pound.
The other two suspects are still at large and they will be traced and brought to book. Investigation Continues.

Anyone with further information on the investigation is urged to contact the Hawks investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall on 071 481 3281.

07/12/2022

Another successful operation to save this extraordinary animal 👏🏻

22/09/2022

Doing our part

22/09/2022

https://www.worldrhinoday.org/

World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year! This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways.Read More

08/09/2022

An amazing song so powerful I share with my friends

We give you the music video for our track Borders! Made together with the fantastic people at Ragnarok Film www.ragnarokfilm.no. Funded by 'Fond for lyd og b...

28/08/2022

Well done 👏🏻

Huge congratulations to Kings Camps Head Guide, Grant Murphy who finished his 16th Comrades today in 9 hours & 13 minutes.

For anyone who doesn't know Comrades is an Ultra-marathon of 90km (56 miles).

Today he was running for Rhinos in memory of both Anna (a local Rhino warrior) & Anton (Head of Ranger Services for the Timbavati)

If you would like to make a donation this is the link:
https://www.givengain.com/ap/grant-murphy-raising-funds-for-rhino-revolution/

12/08/2022

🙌❤️

31/07/2022

Today, we honor our heroes, both two- and four-legged.
The field ranger's path is not an easy one, but vital to the survival and protection of our wildlife.

We thank you for your bravery and your dedication.

Happy World Ranger Day, and stay safe.

27/07/2022

Shocking and so so sad, deepest condolences

DEVASTATING NEWS
Our thoughts are with Timbavati today following the tragic news that their Head of Ranger Services, Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night. This follows recent death threats.
Anton was an incredibly passionate conservationist, who worked tirelessly to protect the wildlife under his care.
This terrible incident is a horrific reminder that our Rangers, who devote their lives to protecting our wildlife risk their lives every day.
Rangers like Anton know the risks they face, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable that they live their entire lives knowing they could also be targeted by the criminal gangs responsible for the killing of the animals they work to protect.

Our deepest condolences to Anton’s loved ones and co-workers.