Project Rhino K9-Unit

Project Purpose

To support highly trained anti-poaching dogs and their handlers in patrols, tracking, and investigations, safeguarding rhinos and other endangered species across KwaZulu-Natal.

Project Overview

With their extraordinary sense of smell, speed, and tracking abilities, these specially trained dogs help detect wildlife products, track poachers, recover weapons, and protect endangered species.

Since launching in 2017, the Project Rhino K9-Unit has played a pivotal role in disrupting criminal and poaching operations across KwaZulu-Natal. Working alongside landowners, conservation agencies, security teams, and the South African Police Service, our dogs have assisted in numerous arrests, wildlife crime investigations, and even high-value recoveries — including narcotics and counterfeit goods worth over USD 4 million.

How it Works

  • Specialist training: Dogs are trained and certified for tracking, detection, and apprehension — making them critical assets in locating poachers and gathering real-time intelligence.
  • Diverse skills: Dogs assist in tracking suspects, detecting wildlife products, recovering illegal weapons, and investigating crime scenes.
  • Daily operations: K9 teams conduct foot and vehicle patrols, fence inspections, checkpoint operations, snare removal, bushmeat poacher interventions, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • Visible deterrent: Their presence discourages criminal activity and enhances safety for wildlife.
  • Multi-agency collaboration: The K9-Unit works with landowners, ecotourism businesses, security groups, private reserves, and the South African Police Service to combat wildlife crime.
  • Wide-reaching impact: K9-Units typically operate across 12 different game reserves every month.

How You Can Help

Your support keeps our K9 heroes in the field and directly contributes to protecting endangered wildlife. Donations go toward:

  • Training and certification for dogs and handlers
  • Handler salaries, insurance, uniforms, and indemnity cover
  • Safety gear and ranger equipment
  • Fuel for vehicles, kennel & vehicle maintenance, and operational costs
  • 🌍 Donate or fundraise for the cause: Support Our Work – Project Rhino
  • 📢 Spread the word: Follow and share our updates on social media to help raise awareness and grow support.
  • 🤝 Corporate involvement: Sponsor a K9, provide equipment, or fund training to make a lasting impact.