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Anti-Poaching Dog Unit
Royal Malewane
Guardians of the Bush
Tango K9 is an anti-poaching dog unit which is at the forefront of curbing the detrimental effects of poaching in the Greater Kruger National Park.
The remarkable capabilities of Tango K9 – a team of passionate rangers, multi-purpose dogs and dedicated trailing dogs – far exceed what technology can deliver when it comes to the detection, apprehension and tracking of poachers on the ground.
The dedicated trailing dogs are experts in following human scent while the multi-purpose dogs are perfect all-rounders who specialise in handler protection, suspect apprehension and the detection of various forms of contraband. Tango K9’s counter-poaching operations also include anti-poaching patrols, snare sweeps, preventative maintenance of the reserve boundaries and community education.
Hachiko
Hachiko is a small-to-medium Spaniel whose nature is very much like his namesake. He is incredibly loyal and while he enjoys being around people he is has a strong sense of self. He can detect narcotics on the hint of a lowveld breeze (using his superior olfactory receptors) and is a very successful and much-loved member of the K9 anti-poaching crew.
Luna
Luna, short for “Lunatic,” is a whirlwind. She is always keen to work and loves a bit of attention. When the unit heads out, Luna makes sure she greets every team member, and then goes off to do what she does best – detection and tracking in the dense bushveld. She’s that one dog you want on your team.
Duke
Also known as Ntwadumela, meaning “he who greets with fire”, Duke is the stalwart of the unit. This Dutch Shepherd joined the K9 Unit as an eight-week-old recruit and was trained in-house by his dedicated handler. He is very regal in his demeanour and incredibly good at what he does. As a specialist in night tracking, when the sun sets, Duke is ready and waiting. You wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of this K9 force for good.
Khala
Khala is the “little princess” of the group, and she knows it. She seemingly looks down with disdain on everything and everybody that comes anywhere near the unit. Attitude aside, she is an excellent tracker. As a purebred Bloodhound, her sense of smell is next-level – fittingly, the name Khala comes from iKhala in isiZulu, meaning “nose”.
Bandit
Bandit is a little storm in a teacup. His nose runs at a million miles an hour, and his mind needs a moment to catch up with what’s going on around him. At times, it can seem like his tail is faster than his brain! His silky coat and soft brown eyes mask a formidable detection specialist in a class of his own.
Mina
Mina is undoubtedly the Queen B of this crew. She rules with an iron fist (paw) and keeps everybody in line, human or canine. A little aloof at times, Mina is utterly focused when it counts. Her speciality is combination tracking at night, alongside strong and silent Duke, making them one of the most effective pairs in the unit.
Help Us Make A Difference
Tango K9 is a non-profit conservation organisation that relies on our guests’ valuable patronage and their interest in the broader impact of tourism and conservation in Africa. After witnessing our magnificent wildlife and visiting our conservation projects, many guests generously contribute vital funds and as such we have compiled a wish list. To view this wish list and for more information, please contact trpfoundation@trp.travel
Our wish list includes items such as: a 4×4 vehicle, GPS Dog collar tracking device & remote, dog control collar & remote, recon binoculars (10 x 42), tactical night vision equipment and trail cameras just to name a few.
























