K-9 Anti-poaching Dog Unit

[Lisbeth]

[Richprins]

Kruger Park dog handlers receive backpacks to support anti-poaching work



Kruger National Park (KNP) K9 handlers recently received 35 backpacks to the value of R53 130 as part of the ground mobility capacity and in support of anti-poaching operations inside the park.

The backpacks were made possible by The Legacy Experience Foundation. The Legacy Experience Foundation (TLEF) is a non-profit organisation based in Lucerne, Switzerland, and concentrates its conservation work in the iconic Kruger National Park and the communities bordering the park.


Derek Macaskill of The Legacy Experience Foundation handing over the backpacks to KNP K9 manager Samuel Madalane.

The support to SANParks started in 2017 and over the years they have provided support such as ranger equipment, support to the SANParks airwing, ranger training and support to KNP’s anti-poaching units through various technologies. The relationship between the two entities is an example of cooperation driven by a common cause and vision.

KNP spokesperson Ike Phaala says donated backpacks will be used by the K9 handlers and their specialised K9s to carry items such as first-aid kits, water and basic K9 equipment required during patrols.

“With criminal syndicates becoming more and more sophisticated in terms of their tactics and equipment, the donation from TLEF not only ensures a safer working environment for the K9 handlers and K9s but also caters for their specific needs within the unique Kruger National Park environment,” he says.

https://mylowveld.net/kruger-park-dog-h ... I_BfFBkzug

[Lisbeth]

cooperation driven by a common cause and vision

Not too sure about that.

How did they manage before? I suppose that SANParks couldn't afford to buy them

If it weren't for the ONGs, conservation all over would have failed a long time ago

[Lisbeth]

Anti-poaching K9 Camp opens in Kruger National Park

A special demonstration by the Genesis K9 Rangers took place during the event.

April 26, 2025 | Riot Hlatshwayo


A group of Genesis K9 Rangers of Mdluli Conservation and Anti-Poaching Unit on patrol with their dog, Axel. > Photos: Supplied/Chris Schalkwyk

An anti-poaching K9 Camp was officially opened at the Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Tuesday, April 23.The camp, whose opening coincided with International Earth Day 2025, will be a base of operations for rangers and their well-trained dogs, working together in the fight against poaching in the KNP.

The executive manager of Mdluli Safari Lodge, Chris Schalkwyk, said the establishment of the special K9 Camp proves that with good relationships and local and international co-operation, a huge difference can be made in conservation.


Chris Schalkwyk, the executive manager of Mdluli Safari Lodge; Davide Bomben, the director of il Diamante Diamond Collection; Tinyiko Golele, the regional ranger of the Maroela South Region and Malcolm Segal, the director of Mdluli Safari Lodge.

The camp will operate under the Mdluli Conservation and Anti-poaching Reserve, which is inside the fenced area of the park, near Pretoriuskop.

“It is responsible for patrolling 24km of the western boundary fence of the KNP. This is done with the support of Genesis K9, SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, who are doing excellent work in assisting with the removal of snares and alien plants in the park,” said Schalkwyk.

“Donations from our Italian partner and tour operator company, il Diamante, facilitated by Davide Bomben, and other gracious donors from Italy have made our dream of a K9 anti-poaching camp become a reality,” added Schalkwyk.

During the opening, certificates of appreciation for support and donations were handed over to SANParks, SANParks Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region, il Diamante, Bomben, Café Rider, SoSimple Solar, Ges’in, Fondazione LAC, Beauval Nature and Mdluli Safari Lodge.

A special demonstration by the Genesis K9 Rangers, featuring the incredible Axel, also took place during the event. Axel is a five-year-old Belgian malinois tracking dog, capable of scenting humans, explosives, firearms and rhino horns.

In attendance were the Mdluli Safari Lodge Partnerships’ board chairperson, Nelly Mdhluli, Mdluli Safari Lodge Group CEO Malcom Segal, Genesis K9 Group CEO Thys Klein, SANParks Regional Ranger in Maroela South, Tinyiko Golele and others.

In thanking the initiative’s supporters, Schalkwyk said that contributions to the 24/7 unit have already resulted in several successes, including the arrest of four suspects, the training of more than 40 rangers, and the removal of almost 3 000 snares and around 150 alien plants.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

[Richprins]