Resilient Dog Henry Earns Global Wildlife Hero Award

The remarkable journey of Henry, a black-and-white Springer Spaniel, culminated in him being awarded the Global Wildlife Hero Award at the 25th Animal Action Awards. Henry was honored for his crucial role in wildlife conservation through detection work, which has significantly aided in investigations of wildlife crime.

Transformation of Henry

Once considered a “problem pup” due to his energetic nature, Henry was rejected by five different homes. His fate changed when Louise Wilson from Conservation K9 Consultancy in Wrexham adopted him at just eight months old. Louise recognized his potential and channeled his energy into conservation detection training.

Henry’s Role in Wildlife Conservation

Henry now collaborates with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU). His unique skills allow him to detect the scents of several threatened species, including:

• Pine martens
• Otters
• Hedgehogs
• Birds of prey

These abilities enable Henry to locate stolen or killed wildlife and assists in critical ecological monitoring, benefiting conservation efforts across the UK.

Henry’s Impact on Crime Investigations

Henry’s contributions significantly enhance wildlife crime investigations. Detective Inspector Mark Harrison of the NWCU noted that without evidence from Henry, many investigations would come to a standstill. His impressive finding of a hidden bird’s skull exemplifies his importance in uncovering critical evidence.

Moreover, Henry’s presence is a formidable deterrent to would-be offenders. The knowledge that a skilled detection dog is on-site can cause criminals to reconsider their actions against protected wildlife.

Acknowledgment at the Animal Action Awards

The global significance of Henry’s work was celebrated at the Animal Action Awards, hosted by IFAW in London on October 16, 2025. Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan praised his dedication, referring to him as a “superdog.” She emphasized the substantial effort required to train a detection dog like Henry.

The Future of Conservation Detection

Henry’s success represents a larger trend towards employing specially trained dogs in wildlife conservation. Louise has worked globally, utilizing dogs that detect everything from explosives to tobacco. However, conservation detection is gaining recognition as a crucial aspect of wildlife protection.

Henry’s story is one of redemption and the power of second chances. Once overlooked, his energy is now an asset that contributes significantly to protecting vulnerable species. As he continues to work alongside Louise, their partnership symbolizes the transformational potential in animals that might be dismissed as “problematic.”

Their ongoing efforts highlight the critical role that detection dogs play in wildlife conservation. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the qualities that set us apart can lead to profound change in the world around us.