Back in August 2023, we had the opportunity to partner with and support Thornybush Game Reserve by providing them with Ammo, a Dutch Shepard. Ammo received his basic puppy training from Jamie-Lee Veron, a Sourcing Specialist at Alu-Cab, and then later received and continues with more specialised training by Tango K9. Although these canines receive some of the highest levels of training in detection, tracking and protection, constant repetition is practised to ensure peak performance.
Following his training, Ammo joined the ranks of Thornybush’s K9 Anti-Poaching Unit in the Greater Kruger Park. This highly skilled detection dog, renowned for his ability to find firearms, ammunition, and wildlife contraband, is also skilled in tracking, and excels at following human scents to help quickly apprehend unauthorised individuals in the reserve. While he takes his duties seriously, Ammo’s playful and jovial personality shines through, enjoying patrol walks with his team and keeping spirits high with his lively energy. However, when it’s time for action, he transitions into a focused protector, ready to serve.
Thornybush’s Anti-Poaching Unit has the primary goal of conserving animal wildlife, including the endangered rhino and pangolin. At Alu-Cab, our passion for the outdoors isn’t limited to just exploring it, but also making sure that it’s protected for our future generations. That’s why we’re grateful to help fight the battle against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
South Africa’s anti-poaching rangers work tough jobs and face danger on the regular, but with the help of trained canines like Ammo, they have a better chance of finding and catching poachers, helping injured animals, accurately checking vehicles and staying safe.
“At Thornybush Nature Reserve, every member of our team plays a vital role in safeguarding the wildlife and ecosystem we are privileged to protect,” says Darrell Camden-Smith from Tango K9.
“Among our ranks, one particular hero stands out. Not just for his incredible skills but also for his boundless energy and endearing personality. Ammo, joined us at just eight weeks old when he first entered the world of conservation. Today, at nearly two years old, he’s an invaluable member of our anti-poaching unit, patrolling the open ecosystem with a singular purpose: to protect the wildlife that calls Thornybush home.”
As Ammo continues his journey, we are reminded daily of the impact we can make when we display the same unwavering commitment and infectious energy as this wildlife-protecting superhero.
Thank you Ammo, Tango K9 and all the conservationists who are working to protect the future of our wild spaces.
Click the link below to read more about Thornybush’s conservation and community outreach: