Fri May 09 20:46:31 UTC 2025: ## Dedicated Sniffer Dog, K9 Karina, Passes Away
**GUWAHATI, INDIA – May 10, 2025** – K9 Karina, a German Shepherd and valued member of the Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF), passed away on May 8th at the age of 10. The canine, who served for a decade at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, was renowned for her exceptional contributions to anti-poaching and crime prevention efforts.
Karina, trained under the WWF-India Sniffer Dog Programme, played a crucial role in numerous successful operations. Her accomplishments include uncovering a rhino poachers’ hideout in 2018, assisting in the seizure of a rifle in 2023, and even tracking down a murderer in 2016. Despite recovering from major surgery in December 2024, she succumbed to age-related health issues.
Kaziranga Field Director Sonali Ghosh praised Karina’s efficiency and dedication, highlighting her role in solving many cases. A solemn farewell, complete with state honours, was held at the AFPF’s 2nd Battalion headquarters in Seekoni on Friday. Her handlers, Jitu Gogoi and Manas Bora, were among those paying their respects to the beloved and highly effective K9 officer.
First Piper 