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Prince Harry has had a very busy year. The year started with Harry and Meghan stepping away from royal duties, which was quickly followed by their family’s temporary move to Vancouver Island, and now they live in Los Angeles. This would be a busy year for anyone–even without factoring in the stresses of Covid-19, raising a new baby, and dealing with a strained relationship with the rest of the royal family.
Unfortunately, recent reports show that Harry’s difficult year just got a little more upsetting with the devastating news of the death of an award-winning anti-poaching dog that Harry made a point to meet during a 2015 visit to South Africa.
Great to see anti-poaching dog Killer honoured with #PDSAGoldMedal. Prince Harry met him on his @SANParksKNP trip. pic.twitter.com/y5WOlBVkmH
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 7, 2016
Keep reading for the details.
According to SA People, the dog, named Killer, was put down on June 5 due to health issues.
The article explains, "Such sad news coming out of Kruger today: Anti-poaching hero, Killer was put down this morning after suffering from a long illness. Killer was featured in STROOP along with his handler 'K9 Ranger.'"
In a 2016 interview with BBC, Killer's handler explained Killer's contribution to anti-poaching efforts.
The article explains, "K9 Killer and his handler, Amos Mzimba, are flown by helicopter to track and apprehend armed poachers when sighted or when a dead rhino is discovered."
It continues, "'It is an honour to have Killer by my side. It means a lot that he has been recognised for his skills,' said Mr Mzimba, who added that the brave dog once saved him when a poacher was shooting at him."
Harry met Killer during a trip to South Africa.
According to Woman & Home, "The anti-poaching dog helped catch and put behind bars an incredible 200 rhino hunters. Impressed by his work, Prince Harry – who’s had a very personal interest in frontline conservation for years – demanded to meet him when he visited the park in 2015."
Kruger’s K9 unit manager Johan de Beer has spoken out about Killer's death, explaining that injuries left the dog in pain: "Killer was one of the first anti-poaching dogs we had but his work out in the wilds had taken its toll on his back legs and he was in a lot of pain."
He continued, "There are a lot of people who will be sorry to hear of his passing, including Prince Harry, but it was time to let him go."
