Anti-poaching pack hounds track suspected poachers at breakneck speed through the bush. They are deployed off-line (meaning off-leash), and in order to keep track of the hounds - a helicopter is needed. As and when the dogs apprehend the suspected poachers, they are then returned to base with the helicopter. 

Having experience and training with a helicopter before deployment in a real life scenario is crucial for the hounds to build confidence. The Bravo Pack that is currently in training with Luna Hounds had never seen or experienced a helicopter before. As our contribution to the Timbavati Travers Raffle, Wild Wonderful World sponsored a conservation experience to the value of R35k. The winner (a family of four) chose to donate this prize to Luna Hounds for their helicopter training exercise. 

Gerry MacDonald was the pilot for the training and after landing, the Luna Hounds team brought in the dogs to experience what it was like getting in and out of the heli, as well as takeoff, flying and landing. The raffle prize winners got to assist with handling the dogs and keeping them calm and safe during the flight. Luna Hounds trainers Moses and Sam had also never been in a helicopter, so it was an excellent opportunity for them to build experience and learn how to safely embark and disembark whilst handling the dogs.

We also got to experience a tracking demonstration, where the family watched from the heli as two of the pack hound followed a scent track through the bush. In less than three minutes, the dogs completed the track that took the handlers a good 20 minutes to lay. 

This operation cost R10k, and the remainder was donated to Luna Hounds to assist in the further training of the Bravo Pack.

You can learn more about this innovative anti-poaching technique here. If you are feeling inspired and want to contribute to their work, you can do so here.