Specialist conservation dog tracks down poacher in Zimbabwe

After receiving a report of suspected poachers near the reserve’s boundary with a pack of hunting dogs, the Imire K9 Unit deployed Shinga, who trailed the poachers back to a nearby community. The team apprehended the individual responsible for killing the warthog and documented the evidence at the scene.

‘The warthog poaching incident really demonstrates why collaboration, partnership, and teamwork are crucial in long-term conservation,’ said Darren Priddle, Founder and Director of Dogs 4 Wildlife. “Our Specialist Conservation Dogs are essential in the fight against wildlife crime.’

Dogs 4 Wildlife Co-Founder Jacqui Law emphasized the larger problem of snare poaching across Africa, calling it a “torturous method” that indiscriminately wounds and kills wildlife. This operation follows a similar success last year, when another Dogs 4 Wildlife dog, Dan, helped save an ensnared rhino calf in South Africa.

With 15 operational dogs across four Southern African countries, Dogs 4 Wildlife is dedicated to protecting endangered species, estimating up to a 75% reduction in poaching incidents due to their K9 teams. ‘We’re extremely proud of Shinga and the entire team for their phenomenal work,’ Priddle added.