Gooods Kulava Kutiva trained to track South Africa’s rhino hunters
Gooods Kulava Kutiva, a spirited mixed-breed pup, is preparing for a distinctive role in combatting poaching in Kruger National Park.
In a heartwarming tale of paws and purpose, Gooods Kulava Kutiva, an enthusiastic mutt with a name that means “curiosity,” is gearing up for a unique role in the fight against poaching in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
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THE APPRENTICESHIP OF GOOODS KULAVA KUTIVA
Meet Kutiva, a dog on a mission. As reported by Yahoo! News, Goods Kulava Kutiva, is in Germany. Currently, amid an apprenticeship, this energetic canine is destined for greatness under the guidance of dog trainer Perdita Lübbe-Scheuermann. Her role? Becoming a rhino horn sniffer dog to thwart the nefarious activities of poachers.
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A MATCH MADE IN CANINE HEAVEN
According to Lübbe-Scheuermann, Kutiva’s wild and persistent nature makes her the perfect fit for the job. Rescued from previous owners who found her energy overwhelming, Kutiva found her way into the capable hands of dog enthusiasts who recognized her potential.
TRAINING TALES: FROM ENERGETIC PUP TO RHINO PROTECTOR
Matthias Klein, a police chief inspector and head of the service dog squadron at Darmstadt police headquarters, took on the task of training Kutiva at the Alsbach-Hähnlein volunteer fire station. It wasn’t all fun and games at first, with Kutiva taking her time to adjust to the training routine. But with persistence and patience, the once overly energetic pup blossomed into a focused and determined trainee.
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GOOODS KULAVA KUTIVA’S TRAINING
Kutiva’s training involves sniffing out magnetic tin cans strategically placed among shelves, cars, hoses, and uniforms. Her keen sense of smell will be honed to detect not only rhino horns but also ammunition, weapons, pangolin scales, and ivory. The ultimate goal? Putting a dent in the illegal activities of poachers endangering wildlife.
THE CHALLENGE OF RHINO HORN DETECTION
Detecting a rhino horn is no walk in the park, unlike the more conventional tasks for sniffer dogs. Klein notes that rhino horns are “no different than fingernails” and present a unique challenge. While undetectable to humans, Kutiva’s nose is up for the task.
GUARDING KRUGER’S GATES: A HEROIC DUTY
Once fully trained, Kutiva will join the ranks of dogs stationed at the gates of the Kruger National Park. These vigilant canines play a crucial role in checking vehicles entering the fenced-off areas, ensuring that illegal items and activities don’t go unnoticed.
As Kutiva continues her journey from a lively pup to a rhino protector, we can’t help but cheer for her and the dedicated humans shaping her into a force for good. Here’s to a future where Kutiva’s nose leads the way in safeguarding wildlife from the clutches of poachers!