Bhejane 360 Anti-Poaching Demo Day

We had the incredible opportunity to spend a day with the Bhejane360 Anti-Poaching K9 Unit, a team dedicated to protecting South Africa’s wildlife using the skill, loyalty, and power of trained dogs alongside some state of the art equipment. This immersive experience gave us a firsthand look at the critical role these dogs play in the fight against poaching, and the vital impact the entire team has in keeping our wildlife safe.

The day kicked off with an introduction to the equipment the unit uses in the field. From specialized firearms to off-road vehicles and, of course, the dogs themselves, each element plays a key role in their operations. The K9 team is made up of various breeds, each trained for a specific task. Some are scent detection dogs, trained to sniff out rhino horn or ammunition, while others are tracking and bite work dogs, used to follow the trail of poachers across challenging terrain.

Adapting to modern challenges, the unit also utilizes drone technology. These drones are crucial for covering large areas of land quickly and monitoring rhino movements, ensuring teams can be strategically deployed for maximum effectiveness.

One of the most fascinating moments of the day was watching a detection dog in action. We hid a bullet in a vehicle, and within a minute, the dog had pinpointed its location, this proved to be a powerful demonstration of how these dogs are not just companions but indispensable assets in anti-poaching operations.

Next up was bite work and apprehension training. Joffers, played the role of the "suspect poacher" and was tracked and taken down by one of the unit's apprehension dogs. With incredible control, the dog bit on command and released only when instructed, this was a perfect showcase of discipline, training, and raw power.

We also took part in a simulated tracking exercise. A Bhejane360 team member ventured into the bush to lay a scent trail, while the rest of the unit coordinated their response. A drone took to the skies for aerial surveillance, while the ground team worked alongside their dogs to follow the scent. Watching the synergy between the K9s and their handlers as they tracked and apprehended the “poacher” was nothing short of impressive, it truly was a masterclass in teamwork and field strategy.

This day reinforced one simple truth, protecting our wildlife is a complex, coordinated effort that requires the right tools, the right training, and unwavering dedication. The Bhejane360 Anti-Poaching K9 Unit exemplifies all of this and more, and we are proud to be alongside them to assist in supporting their mission!

With rhinos still facing a serious threat from poaching, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support organizations like Bhejane360. By uniting our efforts, we can play a vital role in protecting these iconic animals. The time to act is now, together, we can make a real difference.