Dalai Lama’s old sniffer dog Olive retires, Nima takes charge of security

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 18: Olive, a highly trained sniffer dog who played a crucial role in the security of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeodganj, has been formally retired from active service, with a newly trained canine named Nima assuming her full operational responsibilities.

Born in 2017, Olive, a Labrador retriever was regarded by security officials as one of the most dependable sniffer dogs ever deployed for the protection of the Tibetan spiritual leader. Specialising in explosive detection, she was an integral part of the Z-Plus security framework and routinely led advance reconnaissance and security sweeps ahead of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s public appearances.

Her duties included conducting thorough checks at public venues, event sites, and the Dalai Lama’s official residence, as well as screening sensitive locations around the Main Monastery complex. Police sources said Olive consistently demonstrated exceptional discipline and reliability, making her a key asset in ensuring the safety of the Nobel Peace laureate.

Olive has now stepped down from operational duties after completing nearly seven years of distinguished service, in line with service-length and age-related protocols for working canines.

Following her retirement, a newly trained sniffer dog, Nima, has been inducted into the security detail. Trained by the Border Security Force (BSF), Nima has taken over Olive’s full operational role within the multi-layered Z-Plus security arrangement. Officials said the dog has already shown strong discipline and alertness and is expected to integrate seamlessly into the existing security apparatus.

The Dalai Lama’s security is jointly managed by central paramilitary forces and the Himachal Pradesh Police. The Main Temple and surrounding areas in McLeod Ganj undergo stringent daily inspections, while all visitors, both Indian and foreign nationals, are subject to mandatory screening and registration procedures. Audiences and public teachings with the Dalai Lama are also closely scheduled and monitored.