Working Dogs for Wildlife
In 2014, CSL established Zambia’s first conservation K9 Unit in partnership with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). This specialised team, which consists of five dogs and nine handlers, is dedicated to detecting illegal wildlife products and tracking wildlife crime suspects.
In recent years, the K9 Unit has proven to be one of CSL’s most efficient and cost-effective assets in the fight against wildlife crime. In 2023 alone, the K9 Unit was responsible for 24% of suspects arrested, 29% of firearms confiscated and 59% of bushmeat seized, yet accounted for just 7% of CSL’s expenditure.
Conservation South Luangwa K9 Unit
How to Get Involved!
Sponsor a Dog! You can give your support to the K9 Unit by sponsoring a K9 dog, whether for yourself or as a gift. With three K9 sponsorship tiers - Partner, Protector and Patron - your donation will enable CSL’s remarkable K9 dogs and their handlers to intercept trafficked wildlife products before they reach the black market, while also supporting the dogs’ training, veterinary care, and overall wellbeing.
Make a Donation to The Chundukwa Foundation ref CSL Dogs with confidence, knowing 100% of all funds will go to CSL Detection Dog Unit.
Thank you for your support!
Meet Earl
Date of birth: 14 April 2014 (aged 10)
Earl is a Dutch Shepherd and joined the K9 team in 2015, along with his sister Chai. Earl initially trained in Montana and is the longest-serving member of the K9 team.
With their incredible sense of smell, CSL’s dogs undergo rigorous training to identify firearms, bushmeat, ivory, animal skins, live animals, pangolin scales, ammunition and illegally trafficked timber such as mukula. Through vehicle searches, property searches and targeted operations in conjunction with CSL’s aerial and ground patrol units, the K9 Unit makes major seizures and arrests each year. Not only do dogs increase efficiency and detect hard-to-find wildlife contraband, but their presence also provides an effective deterrent to traffickers and helps raise awareness in the community about the illegal wildlife trade.
Earl is proudly sponsored by The Chundukwa Foundation.
