Bloodhound Project
Bloodhound dogs are famous for their sense of smell and ability to follow a scent trail. Able to identify a single scent in five million, bloodhounds are uniquely suited to track humans in difficult terrain. Virunga National Park, like several other parks containing critically endangered species, is preparing to harness the unique skills of the bloodhound to track, apprehend and arrest poachers.
Dr. Marlene Zähner, and other internationally recognized experts in the field of man-trailing and crime scene investigation, are creating Congo’s first man-trailing program in Virunga National Park. The goal of the program is to better protect Virunga’s critically endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife from poachers, and in general, help enforce the rule of law, which is critical to re-establishing Virunga’s tourism trade. The program will also greatly improve the park’s ability to quickly find lost and critically injured rangers, many of whom have died needlessly while awaiting help.
The five man-trailing teams, each comprised of a bloodhound and a ranger, will require approximately two years of training. Virunga National Park is looking to the international community to help sustain this vital program. We hope you will consider becoming a monthly supporter of the Congohounds Project. With your help, we can give Virunga’s wildlife and rangers the support they deserve.”
Marlene Zahner – Project Leader
“I’ve owned bloodhound dogs for the last 37 years – almost all my life,” Marlene Zahner says, “and worked at training them for the last 20 years. Bloodhounds are my favorite kind of dogs.”
It would be nice if we could get Marlene to write about herself and tell you all her qualifications for being in charge of this amazing program in Congo, but getting this information out of her is difficult. She is one of the best bloodhound trainers in the world, but refuses to say this. She brought man-trailing bloodhound programs to Europe. Prior to that, there was nothing. She’s been training police and search-and-rescue for the last 15 years in Europe. She’s a veterinarian and owns a center for human/animal relationships.
What Marlene is happy to tell you is what she loves about bloodhounds.
“They’re independent and if they focus on a goal, they’ll get it. They have strong personalities so they don’t really need to be aggressive dogs. They’re affectionate but not in a dependent way.” And then she confesses, “We share characteristics. But you know, they say that dogs and owners start to look alike. I certainly hope not.”
The dogs are still students, but learning fast. Marlene believes there are only two limitations: the age of the dogs, and the handlers. “Humans take much longer to learn it,” observes Marlene. “Handling a man-trailer [bloodhound] is a difficult task and it takes a long time to learn. Years to learn. The dogs are bred to do this so it’s easier for them.”
She completely believes in the success of this program.
“If it continues like this, we will succeed. The handlers are all very willing, really listening, strongly motivated, and have a talent with animals. In this place, there’s discipline, something you don’t always find in other places.”
She adds, “I’m just still, after all these years, impressed with what they can do. And I still don’t know how they do it.”
Interview with Ranger Christian – Chief of Virunga’s Canine Unit
Interview by Ranger Gracien Sivanza
Christian - Virunga National Park Ranger
What is your full name, Christian, and what do you do for Virunga NP? My name is Christian Shamavu Cinyunyi and I have been a park ranger in Virunga National Park since 2003. I have been the Chief of the Canine Unit since March 2011.
Tell us about yourself. Are you married? I was born on May 8th, 1976 and yes, I am married. My wife’s name is Christina Mamy ... Read more »
Interview with Gracien Muyisa Sivanza: Virunga National Park Ranger and Bloodhound Handler
Interview by Dr. Marlene Zähner
Please tell us about yourself and your work, Gracien.
Hello everyone. I am a member of the Virunga Canine Unit. I am the substitute head of the unit and in charge of security for this particular park resource. I have been with the Canine Unit since August 2011. The name of my bloodhound is Lily. Together, as a team, we track poachers and others who break the laws of the park. Unlike other breeds that are used to ... Read more »
Bloodhound Teams Learn To Deal With Common Nuisances: Tsetse Flies and Trypanosomes
Written by: Dr. Marlene Zähner
A few weeks ago, I was informed by Gracien and Christian that Lily was not eating and seemed to be uncharacteristically lethargic. Because the handlers actually spend more time with the bloodhounds than with their own children, they’re acutely aware of any changes in their health. I suggested they get in touch with Dr. Eddy of MGVP, since he was close by in Bukima. He gave Lily a check up that afternoon ... Read more »
RECENT DONATIONS
May
-
14 May 2012
Bloodhound Dogs: Monthly Care
Unregistered Donor
$40
-
$100
-
$25
-
05 May 2012
Lila, Patrick, and Team
Unregistered Donor
$25
-
03 May 2012
Multiple items
Unregistered Donor
$45
-
02 May 2012
Sabrina, Christian, and Team
Unregistered Donor
$10
-
01 May 2012
Lily, David, and Team
Unregistered Donor
$50
April
-
28 Apr 2012
2 x Bloodhound Dogs: Monthly Care
Unregistered Donor
$40
-
28 Apr 2012
Dodie, Alex, and Team
Unregistered Donor
$10
-
25 Apr 2012
Stella, Joseph, and Team
Unregistered Donor
$25
-
$2
-
19 Apr 2012
Multiple items
Unregistered Donor
$60
-
16 Apr 2012
Spaying & Gastropexy
Unregistered Donor
$250
-
14 Apr 2012
Bloodhound Dogs: Monthly Care
Unregistered Donor
$40
-
$100
This website was funded by the European Union and the Prince Bernard Nature Fund.
