Ella is an Eastern Cape cold scent tracker dog used to protect Rhino. Recently she met Schofe the Rhino Calf, she now diligently watches over him.
We first introduced you to Ella in early September. Ella is a highly trained cold scent tracker. This means she is able to pick up the scent of poachers eight hours after the person has left the area. Her training has given her abilities that are fascinating and brilliantly accurate.
More recently we received the happy news that Rhino mom Themba had given birth to a baby boy named Schofe. Ella was present at the birth and has been watching over baby Schofe ever since.
While the birth of Themba’s baby is a true cause for celebration, it is also tainted with the sad reality of why Ella is needed. Under normal circumstances Themba would be all this baby needs to keep safe, but due to man’s greed and the current demand for rhino horn, dogs like Ella and the people on the anti-poaching team are tasked with keeping both Mother and baby safe from harm.
“This project represents a partnership between Wilderness Foundation Africa, Medivet Saving the Rhino and the Chipembere Rhino Foundation, in support of rhino protection as part of the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative”.
The Chipembere Rhino Foundation was named after Themba’s father, a Rhino named Chippy that was poached in 2010. The foundation is one of the partners working with Ella and her handler Eric.
“Very few people in the world get to see a rhino giving birth. It is something very special to witness” – Eric, Ella’s handler.
Dr William Fowlds keeps a blog updated with Ella’s daily news and any fun stories people might enjoy.
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God bless this