13/08/2024
I had the incredible opportunity to join a K9 Trailing Demo and a daily patrol in the Greater Kruger Area. Many of you will know that our rhino population is critically endangered, with about 3 rhinos lost every day in South Africa. To combat this, our rangers risk their lives daily. 🦏❗️
During the K9 follow-up operation, a highly trained dog tracked a 12-hour-old human scent trail. The handler skillfully guided the dog, balancing speed and accuracy so the team could keep up. It felt like a one-hour sprint through the bush—the dog was so fast! 😅😂 We had to stay alert, listening for any sound that might indicate a lion laying in the bush or...well, poachers. After just one hour, I was drenched in sweat and mentally exhausted. My companions (while laughing at me) told me, that these chases can last 8-12 hours, only resting when the dog needs a break 🐕🥵
Afterwards, I joined a regular foot patrol along the river. The rangers drag a tyre to smooth the surface, making tracks easily visible and countering anti-tracking methods. As we walked, the ranger and I challenged each other on our track knowledge (I lost 😂) and we had a beautiful elephant bull encounter 🐘😍
It was all fun and games until we discovered actual human tracks 👣 We called it in, and further investigation revealed that nearby tourists had been walking barefoot in the bush (as one does).
This experience has broadened my horizons immensely and I got a taste of the challenges that these Rangers face every day. Thank you for allowing me this insight and THANK YOU for protecting our wildlife 💛
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