The pack of eight Wild Dogs ran with purpose, coursing along the Guarri thicket line, searching intently for a morning meal. It was easy to see that they were attempting to flush a poor unsuspecting animal of out of hiding. They would then use their superior numbers and incredible speed and endurance to chase down the prey. With eight mouths to feed, and a heavily pregnant alpha female, the pack was in need of a hearty meal. They got just that…
The pack have obviously lost another member as they are now down to eight.
We could not have been better positioned to watch the mayhem unfold; driving at the time, I was obviously not able to capture it all on film but the moment was unreal. The alpha male spotted a herd of Nyala and with a flick of the tail summoned the pack members to back him up. In a flash the chase was on.
Galloping at full speed we could see the dogs literally flying behind a number of antelope. It was electric. No alarm calls were heard; there simply was not time for that. With a gentle touch they nudged a young female Nyala; being off balance and at full sprint, she toppled and rolled. The Wild Dogs were on her in a second as dust flew.
Just to the left, another dog had also managed to trip a sub-adult male Nyala sending him crashing to the ground. He put up more of a fight but five members of the pack silenced him. We nearly saw a third kill as the mother Nyala narrowly managed to hurdle the alpha female.
Members of the pack tuck into one of the two Nyala
Once the kills were made they fed at breakneck speed. Dashing backwards and forwards between the two kills. In ten minutes there would be nothing left of either kills.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO IS GRAPHIC AND NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS
Close up of the swollen teats and proof that the alpha female is expecting. It is usually around May that she will give birth in the protection of an old termite mound.
We all wait with excitement to see where the pack decide to den their next precious litter of pups. With a very small population of Wild Dogs in the area, every individual is crucial.
Written and filmed by Adam Bannister
Thanks Adam! Fantastic coverage of my favorite animal of the bush.
Great video of wild dogs feeding. Wow, they eat fast!
has the alpha female had her pups yet, or picked a denning spot? We’re arriving at Londolozi in a bit under 5 weeks and really hoping we see the dogs – and if there are pups, even better!
Hi Jane, at the moment the Wild Dogs are still moving around the Sabi Sands and have not denned anywhere that we are aware of. We will keep you updated on the progress of the wild dogs that we know of, and with a bit of luck they will move back down into Londolozi during your stay and perhaps find a den site on the property. We are looking forward to having you stay with us. rich
ok, thanks Rich! I am really looking forward to it with great excitement – our first visit to Londolozi and to Africa!
Fantastic to hear Jane, travel safe and we will see you in just under 5 weeks. rich
Our trip is now very close – we will be at Londolozi in about 10 days! Has there been any more word of the wild dogs and the pups?