African Wildlife Foundation

We’re sniffing out wildlife crime.

Our Canine Detection Unit trains dogs to sniff out illegal wildlife contraband like ivory and rhino horn – and they’re really good at it.

HOW IT WORKS

Our trainer selects pups that are friendly, smart and like to play hide-and-seek.
Man, meet best friend. We pair young dogs with handlers and teach them the ins and outs of detection.
The handler and dog form a special bond as they take on search missions in airports and seaports.

Trained dogs are deployed into the field
Handler-canine teams work closely to sniff out wildlife criminals
Detection dogs find even the smallest traces of wildlife products
Poachers are apprehended before they can transport contraband

MEET SOME OF OUR DOGS

Thor

MALE GERMAN SHORT HAIRED POINTER

FROM HUNGARY
Asja

FEMALE SPRINGER SPANIEL

FROM HUNGARY
Diva

FEMALE MALINOIS

FROM HOLLAND
Ram

MALE GERMAN SHEPHERD

FROM HOLLAND

THE SNIFFER STRATEGY

Train more handlers and dogs to sniff out illegal wildlife products
Partner with governments and authorities to identify trafficking hubs
Station detection teams at critical airports and seaports throughout Africa

Elephants and rhinos need a lot more dogs on their side.

Our strength lies in numbers – and we need to deploy more canine detection units to cut off the flow of illegal wildlife products in Africa. This process takes months of hard work for both handlers and dogs.

Help a dog go from an eager pup to a skilled anti-poaching ally. Make a small monthly gift today – our teams can’t wait to get started!

Give Monthly

HOW IT WORKS

MEET SOME OF OUR DOGS

THE SNIFFER STRATEGY

Elephants and rhinos need a lot more dogs on their side.

SPREAD THE WORD