From cooking in temperatures over 40 degrees C yesterday and now down to 22 degrees C, suddenly I’m freezing. Well that’s freezing for an African!
Low cloud and strong winds had moved in this morning accompanied with the occasional little drizzle. All ideal hunting weather for the wild dogs.
They moved back past Khyaneni pan and again the pups went through the whole process of discovering water. That big water monster had them on edge for some time before they drank.
Then it was back hunting with mom and dad. Puzzles disappeared and when the rest of the pack found her she’d killed an adult female impala. As usual it was a pup take over and the adults had to wait their turn. Being a big female impala the pups weren’t able to finish all, so the adults at least managed to fill their tummies. But little was left for the waiting vultures.
I went home to fill my tummy and in this weather stuck myself in the office for the day.
Priceless
I am so sad to hear Manyari’s cubs are gone. I was looking forward to seeing her cubs. Why do you suppose the males kill the cubs? I have read this is common among lion prides but what is it that they allows the cubs to live? The wild pups are so cute and sure are frisky. I too would love to see the footage of their first encounter with water. Sounds like all is well in Malilangwe, I sure am missing it.
Way too cute. I love the pup who tries to eat the mud, lol.
Kim,
I am passionate about wild dogs so it’s great to discover Wildcast, especially as there are regular videos of the pack. It’s wonderful to be able to observe the pups’ behaviour. I feel as if I am with you when you are filming!
It’s also great to know that someone is providing regular visual access to the dogs as they are not easy to see in the wild and therefore need all the support they can get.
Thanks.
Julie
You mentioned in your writing here that eventually they will be comfortable in the water. I have watched the new pack at Mashatu approach Pete’s Pond and act exactly the same way. They have been there many times but they always act like they’ve never seen it before. It’s hard to imagine that wild dogs ever seem comfortable around water!!
I think they have an instinctive fear for water cos of crocodiles. but the last pack got to know certain pans were safe, and in these they’d go absolutely wild running in and out the water chasing each other for ages. Magical stuff to watch. Filmed a great sequence of this a couple of years ago. Stunning light and piles of fun to had by all.
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