Story Of A Dog That Was A Conservation Hero: Sheela, A Belgian Malinois, Of K9 Sniffer Squad Passes Away

The anti-poaching dog squad of Aaranyak, aptly named the K-9 unit, lost one of its celebrated members, Sheela, on Wednesday.

Sheela, member of the K9 Sniffer Dog Squad, passes away/ Twitter

Sheela, a Belgian Malinois dog, was a part of the elite K9 Sniffer Dog Squad of Aaranyak since June 2019.

What is the K9 Sniffer Dog Squad?

Aaranyak is a leading wildlife NGO based in Guwahati. It is a Scientific, Industrial Research and frontline environmental organization of India.

Aaranyak

The K9 dog squad of Aaranyak, comprising of Belgian Malinois dogs along with their handlers, are involved in assisting forest and police officials in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Manas National Park, Orang National Park, as well as other rhino-bearing areas resulting in the arrest of many poachers by law enforcement agencies.

Sheela's journey

Sheela, one of Aaranyak's beloved family members, joined duty in June 2019 and served in the Bagori range of Kaziranga national park, Manas national park, Raimona national park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary under the care of her handler Rahul Das.

The Belgian Malinois breed is one of the smartest breeds in the world.

After joining the squad in 2019 post rigorous training, she was first deployed in Bagori Range of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and then in Manas National Park to assist the Park authorities and the forest department in anti-poaching and wildlife crime prevention/detection measures.

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In her last days, she was posted to help the authorities in the rhino abode of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

A memorable assignment

In June 2022, the Panbari Range of Manas National Park (MNP) witnessed a surge in conflicts between bears and humans.

During that time, the carcass of a baby bear was recovered on the outskirts of Panbari Village, close to the National Park.

The ensuing police investigation could not elicit any cooperation from the local villagers.

The park authorities Faced this challenge and turned to Aaranyak's K9 unit member Sheela for assistance.

In an incredible display of her tracking prowess, Sheela led her handler to three specific households within the village. Subsequent inquiries revealed the involvement of members of these households in the killing of the baby bear.

This was one of the most memorable assignments accomplished by Sheela.

A conservation hero

Aaranyak's CEO, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, an internationally renowned rhino conservationist and wildlife crime expert, has expressed deep sorrow over Sheela's loss.

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He added that Sheela's contribution to protection of precious wildlife during her lifetime will always be remembered. We regard her as a conservation hero, Talukdar said.

Sheela's operational cost was supported by NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) International.

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