The Mupanigawa pack shrinks.
In the afternoon the Alpha female was looking really weak. Skrik was frantically biting at branches and Hook was tormenting other pack members
We really didn’t have an option, and at sunset I made the very hard decision to put all 3 dogs down. It was hard and traumatic. The other pack members realised there was something wrong, but being their hunting time they headed off.
We had to burn the carcasses to prevent the disease spreading to other animals that might feed on them. It was all very grim indeed.
This morning picking up on the now 10 members left in the pack (we’ve already lost 10 dogs) they were well fed and resting up near Formadhunga.
The pack now only has 2 adults, the males Whisky and One-eye.
It looked like both might be showing symptoms of the disease. Whisky seemed very restless and One-eye was tormenting some of the pups.
Both these behaviours could be normal, but we’re so hyper sensitive to the rabies disease that we’re taking it to mean the worst. Not that we can do anything just yet.
Remembering Skrik:
Skrik was born on 19 May 2006, along with 5 brothers and sisters. She was no doubt the ugliest pup when I first saw her. All that white and her very podgy face.
But at 2 months old she already was the most pretty pup and full of character. Being so much more recognisable than the other pups ‘cos of her large white patches, I was able to follow her behaviours more closely than the others.
She was always ever so playful, often waking others for a game.
But it was her motherly instincts that were so cool. Whenever BB’s pups were left stranded out the den by the other pups, Skrik would diligently carry them, sometimes in very awkward positions, all the way back to the den.
It was obviously my hope that one day I could film her as the Alpha female of the Mupanigawa pack.
Kim words can not express my saddness for you and the dogs. I go through this every week at work, dealing with animals and their illness or age catching up with them and we have to make that call that its the right time. This hurts just as much as if it were one of my clients. I just got to know them so well through your words and film. Im deeply sorry for this horrible time youre facing. There is lots of support going out to you, just know you are in our thoughts and hearts.
Paige
Hi Kim,
I am sorry to hear that so many dogs have died, but I am sure you have made the right decision. You don’t want more dogs infected. Lets hope Whisky and One-eye don’t have rabies too.
Like Paige, I work with animals too and I always feel horribe when one dies. One gets very atttached to them.
Regards,
Ivanova
Ag shame! But obviously the right decision.
Quote from today’s article: ” the males Whisky and One-eye.
It looked like both might be showing symptoms of the disease.
Tough decisions… but would you consider to take them out as a precaution, thereby perhaps limiting the chances of the others being infected?
On the other hand… what would be the chances of the rest of the pack without the two males?
I don’t want to be the pessimist but looks like a Catch-22 to me?
I really hope miracles still happen.
Go well.
I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I am so very sorry for the pack and for you guys who work with them……and for all of us who have come to know the individuals within the pack as special unto themselves. You did the right thing, Kim. You saved them from further pain and distress. Knowing that doesn’t make it easier just now,I know….but it will help later.
I take it there are 8 pups from last year. Are they old enough to hunt for themselves yet if both the adult males are sick? If they are not infected (the pups) and can’t hunt, will you be able to “hunt” for them? It would be a very interesting study of survival and acceptance of other “substitute” leaders (human in this case) in wild dogs.
I hope you are spared more pain from this. I’m almost afraid to sign on now as I don’t want to read the bad news.
Is there any further news of Chipfongwe and his herd?
We’re thinking of you.
Paula
Indiana/USA
I am with Paula on the questions. Given that the pack is losing all the aduluts, what are the chances for the puppies to survive, if they don’t contract the rabies themselves?
I am so sorry to see the pack dwindle down. I too become very attached to the animals I live with, and watch on a regular basis, like these dogs, and the lion pride and elephant herd that you follow.
Hang in there.
So very sorry Kim. Remeber that many of us are sharing your sorrow.
Whisky is actually looking fine at the moment and being the only adult and a good hunter he is still good for the pack. One-eye is showing bad symptoms and we’re going to have to put him down.
The older pups are a year old now and should be able to hunt for themselves. Also with the impala rams being exhausted from the rut, this makes it a little easier for the pack. Yes still 8 pups left.
Not easy hunting ‘for them’ as they tend not to scavenge and prefer fresh meat. But one could try if it became necessary.
With all this going on I haven’t been able to follow up on Chipfongwe for some time. But I’m sure the little guy and the rest of them are all just fine. Imagine how scary an elephant with rabies could be.
After reading this article, I just feel that I really need more info. Can you share some more resources please?