Rekari (formerly known as Rocky), rescued by German Shepherd Rescue Elite (GSRE) in the UK, has recently joined the anti-poaching team in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
Ol Pejeta is one of the largest black rhino sanctuaries in East Africa and home to the last male Northern White Rhino, Sudan. Set over 90,000 acres, its dog section reinforces anti-poaching efforts by protecting wildlife, safeguarding the local community and assisting the work of the Kenya Park Rangers and other conservancies.
Rekari who came to GSRE aged 10 months, was relinquished from a family unable to give him the time and stimulation that a large working breed dog needs.
It was soon apparent that Rekari who is highly intelligent, would be suitable for training as a working dog. Animals Saving Animals with help from Darren Debenham of Guardians K9 Training Centre stepped in to help and now Rekari, German Shepherd, has started his new life in Kenya where, already, he is proving his worth.
GSRE was established to help unwanted, abandoned and neglected German Shepherds, and, just as importantly, offer education to the general public on the responsibilities, pros and cons of owning a large working breed dog.
Lizzy Brown, a Trustee of GSRE, said “GSRE recognised that the Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Herder dog breeds needed rescue help, as well as the German Shepherd’s, and understanding some of these dogs will never settle in a typical home, we endeavour to work with reputable working outlets such as the Police and Prison Services. Rekari has gone way beyond standard training whilst licensing as an anti- poaching dog however, and we are so proud that as a rescued dog he is going on to help protect endangered species.”
GSRE are a registered charity that relies upon the fundraising efforts of volunteers and donations from the public.
GSRE is a member of One Voice for Animals UK (OVFA UK) which was launched in April 2020 to support wildlife and domestic animal rescue centres and sanctuaries struggling due to the Covid crisis.
One Voice for Animals UK brings together almost 300 animal organisations, caring for approximately 22,000 animals between them into one searchable directory where the animal-loving public can find and support rescues near them.
One Voice for Animals UK founder Val Green said “ We are very proud of the part that GSRE has played in the journey by Rekari to becoming a part of the anti -poaching team in Ol Pejeta.”
