Becoming a Conservation Canine
Mufassa, Conservation Canine Cadet
Hey guys! Thanks for all the attention – I know I’ m super cute! So, I thought you might like to hear a bit about me. I joined the Endangered Wildlife Trust’ s pack as a Conservation Canine Cadet in March 2022. Boy was I nervous! Here were all of my heroes and little old me – leaping after them to follow in their paw prints. But I was born to do this job! Join me on my adventure as I prove I have what it takes to become a canine defender of wildlife.
Becoming a Conservation Canine is a lot of work, takes a lot of time, and treats (and Sean’ s shoes) aren’ t cheap! And I can’ t rush it. I think it’ s because, if I skip steps, I won’ t be ready for all the situations I might come across if I qualify one day (claws crossed). Well that’ s what I’ ve been told anyway – so far I’ ve been playing and racing around meeting the staff at the EWT’ s Conservation Campus – easy peasy! Apparently I don’ t do any real work for the first few months. Tough life hey? I’ m just supposed to go everywhere and see everything I possibly can so nothing scares me (as if!). I think I heard them say it’ s also so I don’ t get distracted too easily when I do start working.
Anyway, lots to see and smell but I’ ll give you another update soon!
LATEST STORIES
IN MEMORIAM: FAREWELL TO FURY, A CONSERVATION HERO (7 FEBRUARY 2012 – 3 JUNE 2020)
Ndifelani Mulaudzi, Trade Officer, EWT Wildlife in Trade Programme
NdifelaniM@ewt.org.za
Much-loved Conservation Canine, Fury, sadly passed away on 3 June, as a result of complications arising from a twisted spleen, despite his handler and best friend, Shay Seebran, and the vet’ s every effort to save him.
Fury, a German Shepherd, was an incredible conservationist, working tirelessly to protect endangered species in many public and private game reserves in South Africa. As a detection dog, he was trained to detect wildlife products such as rhino horn and ivory, as well as arms and ammunition. Over a two-year period, he and Shay conducted 5,213 vehicle searches at 27 gates in 16 game reserves. They also conducted compound, open area and cargo searches at various airports.
The EWT pays tribute to Conservation Canine Fury for the massive difference he has made with his successful seizures of wildlife contraband and illegal arms and ammunition, helping in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, and preventing many poaching incidents from occurring.
More than that, Fury was a constant companion and partner to Shay, whose life he saved more than once. These best friends had been working and learning together for over two years, travelling South Africa as a team, and spending every moment of their days together, trying to leave a lasting footprint in the anti-poaching world. Shay is devastated by his loss, and says, “The legend may be gone, but certainly not forgotten. I will always appreciate your service, Fury. Rest in power, son.
Conservation Canine Fury was indeed a legend, and well-known to many around the world. He has left an amazing legacy behind, to be carried on by many conservationists just like him. He has been laid to rest at his home, the EWT Conservation Campus.
Fury’ s work was funded by U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Tourvest, and supported by Royal Canin and Boehringer-Ingelheim.
