Dogs 4 Wildlife and Tigzozo Media release powerful new documentary film, ‘The rise of Shinga,’ showing rare footage of an anti-poaching dog’s journey from Wales to saving endangered wildlife in Zimbabwe.

Not for Profit organisation, Dogs 4 Wildlife have released a powerful new documentary film,  sharing the story of Anti-poaching dog Shinga’s journey to Imire Rhino and Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe as a special collaboration between Tigzozo Media, Dogs 4 Wildlife, Pro Dog Raw and Imire, Zimbabwe.

The heart-warming film follows Belgian Malinois Shinga’s journey, all the way from Carmarthen, Wales in the UK to Zimbabwe, Africa and provides a rare, first hand insight into Shinga’s new operational life in Zimbabwe and the reality of the ongoing poaching epidemic across Southern Africa, plus the benefits that a highly trained dog like Shinga can bring in the ongoing fight against wildlife crime and poaching

The 9 minute documentary film combines the dedication of Imire’s highly trained ranger unit, the experience and knowledge of the team at Dogs4Wildlife, and the support and epic nutrition from ProDog Raw, all working together to help conserve and protect Zimbabwe’s endangered wildlife.

The film shows exactly what it takes to deploy a young Belgian Malinois from Wales all the way to Zimbabwe and shows Shinga fitting in with her new team at Imire and joining 3 year old Dogs 4 Wildlife Anti-Poaching dog Murwi at the reserve.

Imire Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary, Wedza, Zimbabwe is 4500 hectares of diverse wildlife including black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo. The reserve focuses on community and educationally led conservation, supporting the wider population of the ‘Shona’ people, one of the main tribes in Zimbabwe. Murwi in the Shona language means ‘Warrior’ and Shinga is Shona for ‘Brave’.

Last year, a total of 451 rhino were poached in South Africa. 327 within government reserves and 124 on private property.

Anti-poaching dogs contribute to reducing incidents of poaching by as much as 75%, so the dogs will have a huge part to play in the conservation of rhinos and many other endangered species.

Non-Profit Organisation Dogs 4 Wildlife aims to provide both quality, highly trained dogs and specialised ranger training for the development of anti-poaching canine units, to protect endangered wildlife. Helping to inspire and motivate the next generation of wildlife protectors, through effective and determined education.

Deploying anti-poaching dogs  and K9 units is a crucial part of conservation efforts in Africa.

Darren Priddle, Co-Founder and Director of Dogs 4 Wildlife said:

“Shinga is such an incredible dog, and is already proving to be such an asset to Imire’s ongoing conservation efforts.

“My relationship with Shinga through her training programme was special to say the least and that has as planned transferred over to her new handlers Leonard and Elvin.

“The feedback on her from Imire in the short space of time since she was deployed has been absolutely amazing, proof that our dogs and development training are second to none.”

Fellow Director Jacqui Law added:

“Deploying Shinga to work alongside Murwi at Imire was such a special moment, they will make a formidable team.  

“Shinga, from her moment of birth showed her character of determined, driven and balanced. Being part of her raising and development was such a proud moment and shows that our unique imprintment and training programme produces dogs that can make a difference in the fight against wildlife crime.”

Director of Dogs 4 Wildlife, Jack Gradidge said:

“I am thrilled that Shinga was able to join the highly dedicated team at Imire. Her journey was long but definitely worth it and she is already thriving in her incredible new environment.”

Tigzozo Media, who shot the incredible documentary film is owned by Kudzai Tinago who lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. Kudzai shot the entire film on his own with his camera equipment following the team and Shinga around for her first few days of deployment. He contacted Dogs 4 Wildlife and Imire early in 2021 wanting to be involved in a conservation project and Imire decided to invite him for Shinga’s arrival. He kindly did all of his work for free to help support the efforts of Dogs 4 Wildlife.

Heidi Maskelyne · Chief Executive Officer at PRODOG RAW LIMITED and the team at Pro dog raw fully supported Shinga though her development and deployment. They released monthly video updates, supplied all her food and treats and fundraised for many events.