ANTI-POACHNG K9 – ZIMBABWE
Project Overview
Anti-Poaching K-9 is a 100% Zimbabwean NGO dedicated to deploying all-female anti-poaching units throughout the Zambezi Valley to combat poaching and wildlife crime.
Based just outside Harare, the organisation operates an impressive training facility where both the dogs and their female handlers are trained to the highest standards. This NGO plays a key role in women’s empowerment through employment and leadership roles in this hugely important activity.
However, self funded to date by it’s founder Peter Maguwu, a Zimbabwean national, this cannot sustain as Peter has spent his whole life savings. They desperately need serious funding to be able to deploy their units to the Zambezi valley, which with 17 dogs and women trained, will make a huge impact on the prevention of poaching and wildlife protection in this region. Any and all donations are gratefully received as, just keeping these dogs maintained in tip top condition is expensive.
What’s Happening Now
A fully operational training centre near Harare
17 fully trained and active K-9s
17 fully trained, female, dog handlers
A mission focused on protecting wildlife while empowering women
The People
Peter Maguwu
Founder of Anti-Poaching K9, Peter is a Zimbabwean national whose passion for protecting wildlife began in childhood, having witnessed the devastating impact of poaching.
After qualifying as a dog handler and trainer in South Africa, Peter worked internationally, including as a VIP protection officer at Baghdad Airport, gaining accreditation from the US Department of Defense. Following years of international assignments, he returned to Zimbabwe in 2012 and established Ryder Protection Services.
Alongside this, he co-founded community development initiatives focused on empowering women, providing clean water through boreholes, and supporting children’s education. In 2023, he founded Anti-Poaching K9 to bring these skills and values into frontline conservation.
Stamford Maguwu
Peter’s brother, Stamford, plays a key role in training both the dogs and their female handlers. Other family members are also actively involved in supporting the organisation’s operations.
My Experience
On an invitation from Peter, I stopped in at his training centre where he extended a warm welcome and showed me the immaculate kennel block, housing 17 healthy, happy dogs.
I also had the opportunity to take part in an exercise to show how a dog takes down a poacher. Donning a very heavy jacket, it wasn’t hard for the pooch to get me to the ground and hold me there until his master arrived to release me.
Why It Matters
This project sits at the intersection of conservation and empowerment by
Protecting wildlife from poaching
Creating employment and leadership opportunities for women
Supporting communities through skills and income
However, as a fully self-funded organisation without international backing, Anti-Poaching K9 is now struggling to deploy its units and sustain operations. They need your help and any donation will be gratefully received.
Learn More / Support
Impressed by their passion, dedication, and impact, I will be raising funds for Anti-Poaching K9 as part of the Africa Rally.