My name is Fudhail, and I’m proud to serve as a canine handler at Pilanesberg National Park, partnered with my four-legged colleague, Remi — a dedicated conservation dog with a nose for protecting wildlife. Together, we form part of the K9 conservation unit, using a mix of training, instinct, and a lot of dog hair to protect this beautiful reserve.

Life has a way of surprising you — and in my case, it came with paws, floppy ears, and an incredible skill set. What started as an unexpected opportunity turned into a passion. There’s something deeply rewarding about making a real difference, even if it means getting dirty, sweating buckets, or being outsmarted by a dog on occasion (Remi keeps me humble).

Our daily routine is anything but ordinary. From controlling access at the park’s four gates. Remi and I are constantly on the move. We conduct fence patrols, presence patrols, and work closely with rangers on stop-and-search missions inside the park. Remi’s nose is a powerful tool — capable of detecting hidden wildlife contraband long before any human could spot it.

We also do public demos, showing off the skills that make these dogs such valuable assets in conservation, from tracking scents to detecting hidden items with uncanny precision. These demonstrations aren’t just for show, they are an important tool for raising awareness about the threats our wildlife faces and the role working dogs play in combating them. Remi gets the spotlight; I just try to keep up.

At the end of the day, this work isn’t just about protecting wildlife — it’s about partnership, purpose, and sometimes picking ticks off your teammate. Remi and I wouldn’t have it any other way.