South Wales, United Kingdom Jun 18, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - Dogs 4 Wildlife and Tigzozo Media release a powerful new documentary film, ‘The rise of Shinga,’ showing rare footage of an anti-poaching dog’s journey from Wales to saving endangered wildlife in Zimbabwe.
Not for Profit organisation, Dogs 4 Wildlife have released a powerful new documentary film, sharing the story of Anti-poaching dog Shinga’s journey to Imire Rhino and Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe as a special collaboration between Tigzozo Media, Dogs 4 Wildlife, Pro Dog Raw, and Imire, Zimbabwe.
The heart-warming film follows Belgian Malinois Shinga’s journey, all the way from Carmarthen, Wales in the UK to Zimbabwe, Africa and provides a rare, first-hand insight into Shinga’s new operational life in Zimbabwe and the reality of the ongoing poaching epidemic across Southern Africa, plus the benefits that a highly trained dog like Shinga can bring in the ongoing fight against wildlife crime and poaching
The 9-minute documentary film combines the dedication of Imire’s highly trained ranger unit, the experience, and knowledge of the team at Dogs4Wildlife, and the support and epic nutrition from ProDog Raw, all working together to help conserve and protect Zimbabwe’s endangered wildlife.
The film shows exactly what it takes to deploy a young Belgian Malinois from Wales all the way to Zimbabwe and shows Shinga fitting in with her new team at Imire and joining 3-year-old Dogs 4 Wildlife Anti-Poaching dog Murwi at the reserve.
Imire Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary, Wedza, Zimbabwe is 4500 hectares of diverse wildlife including black and white rhinos, elephants,s, and buffalo. The reserve focuses on community and educationally led conservation, supporting the wider population of the 'Shona' people, one of the main tribes in Zimbabwe. Murwi in the Shona language means 'Warrior' and Shinga is Shona for 'Brave'
Last year, a total of 451 rhinos were poached in South Africa. 327 within government reserves and 124 on private property.
Anti-poaching dogs contribute to reducing incidents of poaching by as much as 75%, so the dogs will have a huge part to play in the conservation of rhinos and many other endangered species.
Non-Profit Organisation Dogs 4 Wildlife aims to provide both quality, highly trained dogs and specialised ranger training for the development of anti-poaching canine units, to protect endangered wildlife. Helping to inspire and motivate the next generation of wildlife protectors, through effective and determined education.
Deploying anti-poaching dogs and K9 units are a crucial part of conservation efforts in Africa.
Darren Priddle, Co-Founder, and Director of Dogs 4 Wildlife said: "Shinga is such an incredible dog, and is already proving to be such an asset to Imire's ongoing conservation efforts.
“My relationship with Shinga through her training programme was special to say the least and that has as planned transferred over to her new handlers Leonard and Elvin.
“The feedback on her from Imire in the short space of time since she was deployed has been absolutely amazing, proof that our dogs and development training is second to none."
Fellow Director Jacqui Law added: “Deploying Shinga to work alongside Murwi at Imire was such a special moment, they will make a formidable team.
“Shinga, from her moment of birth showed her character of determined, driven, and balanced. Being part of her raising and development was such a proud moment and shows that our unique imprintment and training programme produces dogs that can make a difference in the fight against wildlife crime."
Director of Dogs 4 Wildlife, Jack Gradidge said: “I am thrilled that Shinga was able to join the highly dedicated team at Imire. Her journey was long but definitely worth it and she is already thriving in her incredible new environment.”
Tigzozo Media, which shot the incredible documentary film is owned by Kudzai Tinago who lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. Kudzai shot the entire film on his own with his camera equipment following the team and Shinga around for her first few days of deployment. He contacted Dogs 4 Wildlife and Imire early in 2021 wanting to be involved in a conservation project and Imire decided to invite him for Shinga's arrival. He kindly did all of his work for free to help support the efforts of Dogs 4 Wildlife.
Heidi Maskelyne · Chief Executive Officer at PRODOG RAW LIMITED
and the team at Pro dog raw fully supported Shinga through her development and deployment. They released monthly video updates, supplied all her food and treats, and fundraised for many events
ENDS
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About Dogs 4 Wildlife
With a long term committed view to assisting in the protection and continuation of endangered species, Dogs 4 Wildlife are a highly experienced team of knowledgeable, dedicated animal lovers with a commitment to wildlife conservation. With 12 operational dogs across 4 Southern African countries, The Dogs 4 Wildlife K9s help achieve up to a 75% reduction in poaching numbers
Dogs 4 Wildlife aims to provide both quality, highly trained dogs and specialised ranger training for the development of anti-poaching canine units, to protect endangered wildlife. Helping to inspire and motivate the next generation of wildlife protectors, through effective and determined education.
Dogs 4 Wildlife promote, for the benefit of the public and our future generations, the conservation and protection of endangered species and the protection against wildlife crime through:
- Training and establishing skilled, reliable, and highly effective, anti-poaching canine units.
- Advancing the training and equipment of Anti-Poaching rangers.
- Community empowerment projects, advance the awareness and education of endangered species for the continued protection of biodiversity.
- Providing educational platforms in both the UK and Africa to raise awareness for the plight of wildlife and inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.
For more information please visit: www.dogs4wildlife.org or email info@dogs4wildlife.org
Media Contact
Lucy Saxton- Quinn lucysaxton1984@gmail.com 07792596996 12b Beulah Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent http://www.dogs4wildlife.org
