Ol Pejeta’s K9 unit was one of the first private conservancy dog units in Kenya. There are seven dogs currently active in the unit, including bloodhounds, Dutch Malinois and a very sparky springer spaniel named Drum.
We fundraised back in 2017 to enable the purchase and initial UK based training of Drum who was born in June 2018 and was deployed to Ol Pejeta in Spring 2019.
All the dogs have different skills – Drum being a springer spaniel, has a lot of stamina and is very small, energetic and agile – he is perfectly suited for his role as an Arms/Ammunition Conservation K9. Part of his work involves searching vehicles going in and out of the conservancy.
Bloodhounds are known to have exceptional tracking skills, with very powerful scent detection while the Malinois are regarded as intelligent, loyal, agile, sturdy and equally adept at tracking, detecting, guarding and apprehending.
We are excited to learn that there are three bloodhound pups joining the unit.
These dogs, in time and with lots of training, will help to fill the paws of senior bloodhounds Otis and Scarf who joined the unit in 2016/2017.
Guests staying at Ol Pejeta Conservancy can book a visit to the K9 unit and take part in a tracking exercise – this is a great way to support the conservancy and enjoy a real behind-the-scenes experience at the same time.
Images: Dylan Habil/Ol Pejeta Conservancy
