Stopping and prosecuting smugglers is a first important step in stopping illegal animal trade. Our wildlife detection dogs intercept smugglers and we work to stop the trade of wild animals.
The dogs have been specially trained to detect wildlife hidden in cargo and transport. The trained handlers and their dogs patrol the harbors along the main smuggling routes between islands and have saved thousands of animals which were destined for the illegal wildlife trade. Each dog has two handlers, working in pairs for safety reasons and working alongside the National Police of Indonesia.
Their jobs are not without risks, as the sniffer dogs have earned the reputation of being very successful during raids at the Indonesian harbors and airports. The illegal wildlife trade continues to thrive in Indonesia… Regular exchange of knowledge to discuss new K9 sniffer methods with their Dutch partners, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, has made this small and committed Indonesian team a force to be reckoned with.
We have the full assistance of the different local authorities in Indonesia. Together we continue to rescue smuggled wildlife at several of the most trafficked routes in Asia.
A short summary of this program's activities
Training Bailey and other K9 dogs
Bailey is our first wildlife detection dog and a pure superpower. She has proven that the patrols produce great results: with her on board we are able to find many smuggled animals.
That is why we have extended the team with five more K9 dogs. Just like Bailey, they were trained by the Dutch Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs. Puppies learn detection and follow-up work in their training center. Dutch zoos donated scent prints so that they can track not only monkeys, but also bears, gibbons, sloths, reptiles and birds.
Patrolling boat routes
The boat routes between the islands are ideal for smugglers for trading young wild animals that have recently been caught in the jungle. We can release animals found on this route directly on Sumatra. Once they have arrived in Java, a lot of bureaucracy is involved. For example, it could take months before an animal is able to return to nature. Moreover, the suffering at the end of the journey is much greater: the animals are sick, their teeth are pulled out and their eyes are damaged.
Local K9 officers
In Indonesia the dogs are accompanied by locals who have been trained by JAAN Wildlife. They recognize the dogs’ signals and the ways smugglers use to hide odors. Before the 5 new dogs can get started, we first take the time to let them get used their handlers. A bond of trust must be established before they tackle the smugglers together.
A small glimpse of this program
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