Eco Defense Group Develops First-of-its-Kind K9 Program in Majete Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In 2020, Eco Defense Group began an assessment and baseline training to support the introduction of a new kind of K9 unit in Majete Wildlife Reserve, which is managed by African Parks in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
This month, Eco Defense Group completed the initial phase of the first-of-its-kind K9 unit program, offering a new level of capability to Majete’s mission to protect and preserve its wildlife.
Majete is a monumental success story in Malawi and for African Parks, which has recently added Wild Dog and Cheetah to the family of wildlife reintroduced to the park, including Rhino, Elephant, Lion and more.
Eco Defense Group is a proud partner of Majete Wildlife Reserve and African Parks, and proud to serve in developing specialized capabilities to support Law Enforcement responsibilities to help create safe spaces for people and wildlife.
Enabling some of the world’s foremost K9 Malinois trainers with decades of international experience in training and instituting dogs with special capabilities, Eco Defense Group delivered the dogs “Gillie” and “Milo,” which were selected in Europe and delivered earlier this year.
“In the unique environment and mission, choosing just the right dog is vital, as is training on-site to be sure that the dogs are able to keep ranger and wildlife safe,” says organization President Nathan Edmondson. “We aim to support those that work diligently to preserve Rhino and all wild species.”
Eco Defense Group worked closely not only to train the dogs but trained and empowered carefully selected K9 handlers to carry this effort forward and build a long-term capability.
“We are committed to continue our support and development of this project; we join Majete in acquiring the best tools before they become necessary. Wildlife deserves protectors and Majete is an example for all of us how to preserve endangered species,” says Edmondson
Majete Park Manager John Adendorff says of the program, “Dogs will be a force multiplier. They will assist in reducing tracking time and lead to increased arrest of poachers.
We also know by just having them will deter potential poachers .
We are extremely grateful to the Eco Defence Group for investing in African Parks Majete. We know that this partnership will go along way in managing wildlife crime in majete.
This program is supported Ravenna K9, Ray Allen, ReconK9, Rex Specs, Crye Precision and private donors.
