Two Dogs Training to Protect Wildlife in Africa Visit Yorkshire Zoo

Two dogs being trained to join anti-poaching teams in Africa have visited a zoo in Yorkshire, England to get familiar with the animals they will help protect.

The dogs, Fudge and Rocket, spent time at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. Fudge is a 2-year-old cocker spaniel, and Rocket is a 15-month-old fox red labrador.
The visit, organized by the charity Dogs 4 Wildlife, allowed the dogs to get used to seeing and smelling animals like leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. This will help prepare them for their work in southern Africa.
Darren Priddle, the co-founder of Dogs 4 Wildlife, said it's vital for the dogs to become desensitized to the sights, sounds, and smells of the wildlife they will protect.

Once their training is complete, Rocket and Fudge will join a team of over 15 dogs working with rangers in Africa to help protect endangered species from poachers. Rocket will also work as a detection dog, searching for things like rhino horn at airports and borders.

The director of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Neville Williams, said it was exciting to meet the dogs and learn about their important conservation work. He said every step forward in protecting wildlife is important.