New counter-poaching puppies in Akagera National Park, Rwanda! Two of Akagera’s anti-poaching dogs have given birth to a total of 11 puppies, and are all being well cared for by the head trainer of the canine team. One mother, named Nyumba, was one of two dogs recruited from the local community last year and trained as a tracking dog. Local dogs may have a stronger and natural resistance to canine trypanosome, an often deadly disease transmitted by tsetse flies.

The New York Times recently featured Akagera as a prime safari destination. Law enforcement has been critical in achieving this result allowing for key wildlife populations to flourish, and for the historic reintroductions of both lions and rhinos. The K9 anti-poaching unit has formed an integral part to this strategy, and the rangers and their canine counterparts have contributed to this ensuring that poaching is at an all-time low, making it safe for nature’s return. In just eight years, Akagera has become a national treasure, bringing in much-needed revenue for local communities ensuring that both people and wildlife can thrive.

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