.png)
K9 DEPARTMENT
Scat Dogs Saving Cheetahs!
Action for Cheetahs in Kenya detection dog team is focused on finding cheetah scat (poop). We actively search for cheetah scat so it can be collected and analyzed for genetics, prey selection, and health. It's a great non-invasive way to study cheetahs.
KELVIN MWAMBILO
K9 Handler
Kelvin has worked as an ACK Field Officer since June 2018 in the Malili area in our Salama Field Study site where he was born and raised. In 2019 Kelvin was promoted to lead the ACK Sports and Solid Waste Management activities in the Salama Field Study site. He visited Tanzania for the first time representing ACK during the Conservation Conflict Transformation Peace Workshop in September 2019. Kelvin then transitioned to our Samburu Field Study site when the Salama site was shuttered. Kelvin recently joined the K9 team as a handler.
He attended Jobenpha Community School for his Primary School Education and St. Augustine Mulumini for his Secondary Education. He is a certified Graphics Designer from Upeo College in Nairobi.
NAOMI KUNG'U
K9 Handler
Naomi is an animal lover and an environmentalist. She graduated from Kenyatta University with a bachelor's in Environmental Studies (Community Development). Interning with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) as a scat dog handler is a dream, and each day she is stunned by what the two dogs, Madi and Persi, can do. She aspires to major in animal behavior and welfare and enhance her dog handling experience, knowledge, and skills in the conservation field.
MADI
K9 Detector
Madi is a mix-breed dog with Rottweiler and Border Collie parentage. His name is a shortened version of ‘Madoadoa’ since, as a puppy, he had an array of spots across his chest.
His high energy and enthusiasm to work have been major factors that have moved ACK’s research forward. The pioneer dog for the ACK Scat Detection Team Madi has already found scat in a wide variety of terrains throughout the country.
Madi was donated to ACK by Paula Kahumbu.
PERSEPHONE
K9 Detector
Persephone, or Persi, is a Belgian Malinois that joined the ACK team in June of 2019 when she was 3 months old.
Persi's high energy and love of play and obstacles make her a great working dog, while her instinct to sniff out potent scats makes her an excellent addition to the detection dog team.
Persephone was donated to ACK by Ultimate K9 Solutions founder George Karavis.