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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.
EDWIN KIMUTAI
K9 Handler
Edwin hails from Eldoret, Kenya. He is an animal production specialist with a background in Animal Science from Egerton University, Nakuru Kenya.
Edwin began working with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya in January 2022. He heard about ACK from a friend and a detection consultant. This motivated Edwin’s interest in conservation with a focus on conservation detection. He has lived with dogs all his life and enjoys their dedication to humans as their custodians. He enjoys working with the ACK dogs as they have a very high level of work ethic which compliments his work style.
Edwin’s highest point so far in his detection career is getting a certification in conservation detection by Naturschutzhunde. He aspires to rise in the ranks of conservation detection not only in Africa but also in the world. He greatly enjoys working towards the conservation of cheetahs in Kenya and throughout Africa.
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 Detection Intern
Persephone, or Persi, is a Belgian Malinois that joined the ACK team in June of 2019 when she was 3 months old along with her sister Artemis.
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.