Wild Dogs Run Free: Another Conservation Victory for Painteddog.tv
Victoria Nuttall-Smith
14/09/2024
In the heart of Rietspruit Game Reserve, a monumental chapter in wildlife conservation has just unfolded. The air is alive with the energy of freedom, as three wild dogs, two females and one male, have taken their first steps out of their enclosure and into the wild. For the past few months, they have been living in a boma, a temporary enclosure, a world where the boundaries of freedom have been defined by fences, necessary for their acclimatisation. Today, those fences have fallen away, and these three canines, now a cohesive pack, are once again part of the wilderness they were born to roam.
Now, it is no secret that the wild dog is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Thus managing the species as one metapopulation is the best way to ensure genetics remain strong, and new packs have their piece of wild Africa, upon which they can form new packs and thrive.
The two females arrived at Rietspruit four months ago, brought in from Karingani, where they had lived as part of a larger pack. After naturally dispersing from their natal pack, they seemed the perfect duo upon which to build a new pack, however, something was missing. To thrive, and to continue the legacy of their species, they needed something more— a place to call home, and an unrelated male with whom they could partner.
Two months ago, that partner arrived, a male brought from Mkuze. In the beginning, we held our breath. The wild dog hierarchy is strict and unforgiving, and their survival hinges on unity. The bonding process was critical, and so the skilful team at Painteddog.tv made the first introductions; in wild dogs, this is done by rubbing the sedated animals against one another, so that when they rouse from their slumber, they smell familiar. Then time was needed for them to form trust, and to establish their places in the pack. Slowly, that trust began to build. Mutual respect grew between them, it was the beginning of something beautiful and rare—a new pack.
Now, as the gates to the boma have swung open, their new adventure has begun. The male follows close, his movements no longer those of an outsider, but of a pack member—a protector, a partner, a hunter. In their fortnight of freedom, they have been seen moving with purpose, hunting successfully, and even examining termite mounds, a hint that they might den.
The future is uncertain—life in the wild is never guaranteed but the wild dog, with its signature painted coat and large, expressive ears, is a symbol of survival against all odds. And today, this pack, formed in a boma but destined for the wild, represents hope for their species.
At Painteddog.tv, we are deeply committed to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. By joining our “pack,” you become part of something bigger: a passionate community dedicated to preserving wildlife and protecting ecosystems for future generations. For as little as $10 a month, you can access our live virtual game drives, interact with the guide, and ask questions. Pack members also receive exclusive access to content, updates, and insights into our conservation efforts, anti-poaching initiatives, community engagement, and research projects. Check out https://www.patreon.com/PainteddogTV for more.
Wild dog bonding and release
