Closure is something we are are unlikely to get in this instance.
Sometime between the hours of 12:00 and 16:00 on Monday 15th June, something happened near the Wild Dog den that resulted in the loss of seven of the ten pups.
The remaining three have bene moved to a new den, perhaps 1.5 kilometres from the previous site.
The three remaining pups stand waiting for their mother to continue leading them to their new den.
A visit to the den on the Monday morning revealed all ten pups alive and well.
Later that afternoon, a vehicle again went to check on the den, and in the frigid evening, only three pups were found milling about with the two adults. Nothing much was thought of it at the time, as sometimes some of the pups would retreat underground.
Then came two days of unseasonal rain. The reserve was cold and not much was moving about. On the Thursday morning, we again visited the den and watched as the female dog called the pups out. Only three emerged.
This was the first real sign that something was amiss. When the two adult dogs then began moving with the pups, off across the clearings and eventually to a deep drainage line where they are now established in a new den, we realised that something bad had happened, but it was only after retrieving the camera trap footage that we could workout when.
The male dog watches the female mill about while the pups wait behind him. This was while the pair were moving dens and the pups were seeming to be granted a rest as their speed had been flagging.
As it stands, we can only speculate as to what happened. For 7 pups to disappear in one go is quite something. Lions would be our first suspects, bu there were none in the area that we were aware of (the full Ntsevu pride – whose territory the den lies in- was miles away), and it was the middle of the day, so hyenas are also unlikely candidates.
The most likely culprit is a male leopard. To take out 7 pups is quite a thing, but not altogether impossible. The pups were in that stage of starting to explore from the den even if their parents were not there, and wandering a bit too far might just have spelt disaster.
Whatever the case, the facts are that only three pups remain, and they are in a seemingly secure den next to a small riverbed in the south-east of Londolozi. Looking at the silver lining here, three pups is a far more manageable number for the parents to raise…
Nature can seem cruel, but this is the reality we face as observers of incredibly vulnerable young animals in what for them is an incredibly dangerous ecosystem.
Such sad news, watching all ten pups play was an absolute delight. However, the good news is that there are still three pups alive and growing. Thank you for keeping us updated, even when the news is difficult.
Very sad.
James, what wonderful blog today, only three pups remaining? How did the others die? Where they attacked by Hyenas? Or did they die by natural causes?
Heart breaking
James, Thanks for the update – a sad one for sure… Prayers for the final 3 pups!
So tragic, I so enjoyed watching them grow up, as you said it will be much easier for the parents to manage three pups.
Keep us posted on the remaining pups.
Ah, that is truly heartbreaking and must be even harder for you who are with them daily. I’m sorry you had to bring us this sad news but thank you for keeping us updated and for helping us see the positive side.
Oh gosh this is so sad! Is there a chance that they could have drowned in the den? They are just so adorable with ears that seem bigger than their heads, just so precious!
How dare I get so attached! I hope the remaining three will be able to grow and thrive successfully.
So sad! Heartbroken when three pups emerged!! Nature can be real cruel! At least we still have 3 pups that will hopefully make it to adudhood! A pack of 5 sounds a lot better than a pack of 2!!
Sad news but not unexpected as I read your feed yesterday. It seems impossible for one leopard to kill 7 pups in one go, but then I don’t know the ways of the wild. The upside, to remain optimistic, is three are left, giving the parents a better chance to raise them to adulthood. Additionally we all shared the joy of watching the 10 little pups make their debut, squealing and frolicking as puppies do that is preserved in our memories and photos. Thank you for the update.
Thee side of nature we don’t appreciate!
This is just heartbreaking news. In the back of the mind you know it’s a long shot all 10 survive, but you hope against the odds they do. Praying the other 3 survive to adulthood.
So sad to see. Nature is not always kind.
That is truly sad news but surely if a male leopard, lion or even a hyena had killed the pups there would be a carcass or at least the remains of one around the den? Unlikely that 7 pups can be eaten by an individual in a sitting.
What about a drowning or a snake bite in the den and 3 got lucky.
Is all actually immaterial as the outcome is tragic. Fingers crossed for the rest
Oh, that is so sad – and unexpected – but that’s the nature of Nature. As James said, at least there are three left. I hope this den move is much safer for the whole family.
Tragic – and you rangers must be especially sad given the huge amount of time you’ve spent with them. Mother Nature can often be too rough.
This is so sad. Would it be irrational to hope that the other 7 pups wandered off somewhere, and that they might show up? At least James, You have been able to capture the three pups, leaving us with light to smile, and joy to carry on.
Sometimes there are just no words
I was so hoping that more of the puppies would emerge from the den….. my heart is sore. But will be positive and hope that the remaining three make it to adulthood. It’s a tough neighborhood they live in!
Such sad news! I was hoping all 10 would survive but knew it would be very difficult if not impossible. Just hope these 3 manage to survive. Thanks for keeping us updated!!
How really sad! Of course, it’s nature and nature is indeed often quite cruel, but still – they were such wonderful little animals! I do hope that the remaining three will make it.
By the way: Do the parents realize that there are so many pups missing?
James, it is so sad that 7 pups went missing…..but it is still puzzling to have 7 get killed all at once….if a male leopard came in and started a killing rampage, wouldn’t there be enough time for more of the pups to run and dive into the den? Would you be able to look around the area and see if there was a place with sign of an obvious confrontation or carcasses or flattened grass or blood, etc?
Hi Lisa, yes we are a bit confused too. We had a look around but didn’t find anything. UNfortunately it was two days ofrain and bad weather from when it happened to when we made the discovery so a lot of the signs would have been washed away…
Shattered by the news 😔but hoping that this brings the other three pups to adulthood and a long term relationship with you all at Londolozi. You have all cared so much for their welfare that it would be fitting if they became Londolozi family members and stick around to be as easy with vehicles as the Leopard have. 🙏🏻💕
Sad … looking forward to the camera trap data and analysis of the area around the old den to solve the mystery.