Animals Saving Animals
1238. Daryll Pleasants
Daryll Pleasants, from Norfolk, is an Ex-Armed Forces member who founded the charity 'Animals Saving Animals' to train elite anti-poaching dogs to support conservation efforts across Africa and India and reduce wildlife crime.
Following eight years working as a military dog instructor and as an escape and evasion instructor with the Armed Forces, Daryll began a dog training business teaching dogs how to track. Following a volunteer trip to a conservancy in Kenya, he realised the difference trained dogs could make to anti-poaching patrols, and subsequently launched ‘Animals Saving Animals’ in 2016. Deployed in body armour and working alongside conservation agencies in conservancies and national parks across Africa and India, the anti-poaching dogs provide vital support in protecting critically endangered species such as the black rhino from extinction.
In a personal letter to Daryll, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you bring your military background to train elite anti-poaching dogs who are deployed, in body armour, across Africa and India to protect critically endangered species like black rhinos from extinction.”
Daryll said:
“I am both delighted and humbled to receive this award. Although working dogs play a crucial role in a worldwide anti-poaching and conservation strategy, recognition must always be given to the rangers and K9 handlers who protect our conservancies and national parks on a daily basis. To be nominated for a Points of Light award is an honour and I accept it on behalf of all involved with ‘Animals Saving Animals’.”
Pictured below: Daryll with a young black rhino
