Meet the Dogs

Our Detection Dogs

Behind every successful field deployment is a dog with an exceptional nose and a strong bond with their handler. Each dog has been trained using force-free, reward-based methods and lives as a full member of the family with their handler. When not working, they enjoy plenty of downtime, enrichment, and affection. Their well-being is central to everything we do.

Lyka and Sebala
Kwando and her handler Ali
Shadow and Ali
Kwando in the field
Michelle and Lyka
Sebala and Lyka
Ali and Kwando
Kwando, conservation detection dog

Kwando

  • Female
  • White Swiss Shepherd
  • Birthday: 17 November, 2013

Kwando has been Ali’s constant companion and field partner for over a decade. Kwando has played an important role in conservation fieldwork, helping detect the presence of the critically endangered Riverine Rabbits in the Karoo and carcasses of protected species such as the Verreaux’s eagles during EIA surveys. She’s also found cheetah scats in the Namib and the Mara during training activities. Though now semi-retired, she’s still actively involved in mentoring her younger brother, Scout.

Lyka, scat detection dog

Lyka

  • Female
  • German short-haired pointer
  • Birthday: February, 2016

An enthusiastic veteran with years of field experience. Lyka has found hundreds of Black-footed cat scats and has helped lay the foundation for noninvasive genetic monitoring of this elusive species. Lyka is a search machine in the field and cuddly couch potato at home.

Sebala, scat detection dog

Sebala

  • Female
  • German short-haired pointer
  • Birthday: 19 July, 2020

While this bouncy girl still acts like a spoiled puppy most of the time, a switch comes on and she takes her work seriously, searching with diligence and focus. Sebala means dark spotted in Setswana, the Black-footed cat is known as “sebalabolokwane”. Although imprinted on the species’ scat from a young age, Sebala is itching to show off her skills in pangolin scent detection and tracking where her abilities truly shine.

Shadow, anti-poaching K9 detection dog

Shadow

  • Female
  • Dutch/Belgian Malinois shepherd
  • Birthday: 7 January, 2022

Shadow is a working anti-poaching K9 with Soldiers for Wildlife that is now lending her nose to wildlife ecology work too! With an unstoppable work ethic and a passion for balls, she’s a determined and enthusiastic detective in the field.

Scout, scat detection dog

Scout

  • Male
  • Dutch shepherd
  • Birthday: 7 January, 2025

The newest team member, Scout is a promising young pup with a big legacy to follow as he steps into the paw prints of his mentor, Kwando. With a keen nose and a naturally calm temperament, Scout is already showing great potential, honing his scent detection skills through playful training. As he continues to learn and grow, Scout is well on his way to becoming a confident and capable field companion.

To meet the human members of the team, visit our team page!

MEET THE TEAM