Over the last few months we were spoilt with phenomenal wild dog sightings. Having the pack of two adults den on Londolozi was something that many of us here have been dreaming of for years.
Year after year, wild dogs have tormented us, building our hopes up that maybe this year they will have a den on Londolozi, only to then den somewhere else. So with all the anticipation mounting as we approached the denning season, we once again became hopeful, but didn’t really give it too much thought.
Then a den was found.
The entire camp was instantly flooded with euphoria. Finally, wild dogs denning on Londolozi! For some this was tempered by the question, “How do we break the news to the rest of the staff locked down at home?”
So began the cliched emotional rollercoaster ride that no-one could have prepared for. After the initial tide of envy had subsided for those of us still on the outside (I was one), excitement took over. ‘Virtually’ following the lives of 10 small pups, through thick and thin, still let us keep abreast of what was happening, and we shared in the experience with our fellow rangers through the social media feeds put out by the team at the lodge.. We all became so invested in the journey as I am sure you did.
The one-eared mother has had her fair share of hardships. Losing an ear in a battle with hyenas, she was separated from her pack and left for ruins. Managing to recover, she soon found a mate, forming their own small pack. The odds were not in their favour, having only two adults along with a first time mother. Chances of raising all the pups were incredibly slim.
Within the first month the pups had survived an attack from hyenas and a pride of lions digging away at the den. A long anxious three day wait to see if they were alive was eventually broken. The male returned, a gentle whimper at the entrance was followed by all ten pups bounding out of the den alive and well, and a huge sense of relief for all.
The pups grew rapidly; they would wander further and further from the den. In larger packs this is less of an issue as they can afford to have a “care-taker” subordinate dog, remain at the den while the rest of the pack hunts. This pack does not have that luxury. The male would regularly go hunting by himself, returning back to regurgitate food for the pups. Then the two adults would go off hunting together to feed the mother. Leaving the den unprotected, roaming too far from the den could eventually prove fatal for the pups.
On the morning of the 15th June, we had seen the full compliment. The adults then trotted off followed closely by all 10 pups. Presuming the adults wanted to move the youngsters to new den, we had visions of all twelve animals running through some amazing open clearings. Only to turn back after venturing 150m or so. Something changed their minds. That was the last time we saw all ten together. However both parents were seen resting at the den later that day but no real sign of all the pups. Leading us to believe that nothing was wrong at this point.
Three days later, after bouts of miserable weather, the female called the pups from the den. Only three emerged, and immediately began following her. Travelling with a determined direction, it was assumed she had a new den in mind. But there were seven pups unaccounted for with no clear evidence what happened. With numerous vultures at the previous den, we assumed the worst. Retrieving the trail-cam we hoped for some clarity. Sadly it revealed nothing concrete. Ten emerged from the den at 12h00 and only three returned at 16h00. This only left us confused and frustrated. How do seven pups just disappear? We could get our heads around one or two, but not seven all at once. Completely baffled, we accepted it and were grateful three had survived.
A few days later a lioness from the Ntsevu pride was followed straight to the new den. She chased off the adults and in all the commotion a pup was found dead next to the den. Truly heartbreaking, but at least this time there was evidence. We knew for sure what happened. That was the last we saw of the pack. Tracks of them went away from there and we were unsure where they ended up. Were any pups still alive?
Days passed with no sign. Until late one evening our friends from Mala Mala sent us a message. They had found a pack of wild dogs with nine pups that had run back onto Londolozi at sunset. In complete disbelief we were reluctant to believe it, in case someone was joking with us. We wanted telling evidence first. Sure enough, we got what we asked for. Video footage showing all nine were alive and somewhere on Londolozi.
At the crack of dawn the next day we set off on the most intense searching effort I have ever been on. Systematically driving every road in the area, walking into every drainage line, checking from termite mound to termite mound. Leaving no stone unturned. One track of an adult was all it took. We were on to something. A direction to follow. They had to be close.
Then, suddenly, there they were, nine pups playing on a mound. We had found them! Against all odds they had made it and were all together at a new den.
Now in hindsight we can theorise what happened. Wild dogs have been known to move pups to a new den in batches and in some circumstances even operate out of two dens. Maybe on moving a batch they encountered danger and were unable to move the rest. Being forced to operate out of two dens. This could make sense in a larger pack, but it doesn’t seem like a feasible use of energy for only two parents. Having to go back and forth between three pups here and seven pups somewhere else would be taxing on them.
No other explanation is possible; pups of that age would not survive 10 days alone. I think it will always be a mystery as to the truth and Mother Nature will continue to surprise even when we think we understand her.
But the fact of the matter is the pups were all alive and well for now.
It is still a long road ahead, but with the resilience this pack has shown we can be optimistic. As we expected would happen at some point, they have moved off Londolozi and from reports from Mala Mala they have been thriving.
For the survival of the species we wish them well and hope to see them back sometime in the future.
This is such a wonderful conservation story. It is really a rollercoaster ride Sean. Heartstopping. Elated. Sad. Happy. Wilddogs are my favourite predators. It is so special to see them in the wild as they are so endangered.
It is so special to see wild dogs, and so having a den on Londolozi was incredible.
Sean, there 9 pups still alive🤗
Joan, there were 9 when they initially left Londolozi, but we have recently heard news that they are now only 7 running around with the pack. We are not too sure what has happened to the other 2.
Wonderful story. Well stated, Sean! Thank you!
Thank you Darlene.
It is indeed an incredible tale of a wild dog family against all odds. What amazed me was how the tiny pups understood that only three of them should come out and follow the parents to the other den. Is it instinct or a sound communicated by the parent to the pups?
Quite a rollercoaster of a story. Thank you.
Linda, yes it is indeed a fascinating story. We are not too sure how they had communicated that the first 7 pups should follow and the 3 stay behind. I presume that the parents must communicate this in some way. Or maybe the three that were left behind got separated somehow and knew to just run back to the den. It is all one large mystery.
Fantastic, comprehensive narrative, Sean.
I guess one of the few upsides to NOT having guests is that it afforded you the opportunity to do a thorough investigation.
Thanks so much Vin. Yes we have had the chance to put a lot of time into figuring it out.
Just the best possible news …. lots of luck to the pups
Such good news and we are all in their corner rooting for them.
Great story with a happy ending. Saw Wild Dogs for the first time in Botswana so looking forward to seeing in Londolozi
Hi George, we are delighted as it seems populations of wild dogs around here are on a slight rise and so with a bit of luck you will get to seem them when you are here.
Wow what a story for these Wild Dog pups. Wild Dogs are one of my favorite animals. Just a fascinating story from beginning until the present. I hope we get to see them again on Londolozi property. More videos please. I have been looking into double denning of the pups and there is very little about this to be found. Nature has it’s mysteries. Looking forward to coming back to the best place I have visited. Londolozi. Thank you for documenting this amazing story
We will definitely keep everyone posted should we get to see them again. They will be back it is just a matter of time.
Nature does have it’s mysteries and we are fortunate to be able to witness such incredible things out here.
The ups and downs of the wild dogs and their pups has had many of us on the edge of our chairs. We were all saddened by what was thought to be a huge loss and thrilled at their return. They were for many of us in the pandemic a bright spot to gladden our mornings. Like you we wish them well and hope they turn up at Londolozi occasionally to brighten our days. I hope you are all well and staying safe. Thankyou. Victoria
I am so glad the documenting and sharing of their story has brought you so much joy during this very challenging time. We will most definitely share any new news of them as we get to see them again.
Terrific story with a happy ending…so far. Kevin has told us why we don’t cross the “border” into Mala Mala but I forget why. Is it a matter of courtesy or is there more involved?
Oh to be there ourselves!
It has been a terrific story.
We don’t cross the border, as it is two different properties and we do not have traversing rights with Mala Mala.
The story of the pack of two is inspiring and the tale of their family is thrilling. You’ve narrated the adventure well, Sean, bringing back the emotional ups and downs we’ve experienced. I look forward to updates on their progress and to seeing the whole family tearing across Londolozi next year, on the hunt!
It truly has been an emotional time with them and kept us all entertained. Lets hope they are around when you are on your next visit.
Thank you Sean for your summary of how the litter of pups have fared. I have followed them with great interest. Often while enjoying the Londolozi blog, I smile at my very domesticated Aussie who only has to bark once for his daily dose of kibble, not search for prey in the wild.
You are welcome Rosemary. It is such a pleasure to keep everyone involved in such an amazing story. Your Aussie is so lucky to have the treats readily available.
Thanks Sean. It was every bit as exciting reading your account of their journey as it was experiencing that at the time. All we can do is watch & hope that they survive and it’s been as much a thrill for us thousands of miles away as it has been for you folks on the front lines. Thank you & especially James and those providing the videos!!!
You are most welcome. All we can do now is watch and wait to see how they do in the future. They have been moving around a lot more now and so when they pass back through Londolozi we will e ale to update everyone on how they are doing.
On this end it was amazing to watch and follow the raising of those pups. It felt like we were all part of the journey. It was very emotional when we thought the worst, and then elating when you found them again. Thanks for providing the background on what happened to the females ear, I had always wondered about that.
You are most welcome Kara, she is a fighter and I think will do very well in the future. Thanks for following the story.
Truly an amazing story of survival and perseverance in the bush! Joyful news to those of us that followed the original siting, birth, nurturing, growth, and curiosity then the devastating news that there were only three pups! How two adults can protect and feed all nine pups now will be the next chapter.
It really has been amazing to follow the lives of the pups until this point, and has been filled with many emotions. Lucky for the pups, both of the parents are such good hunters and are able to provide for them. It is taxing nonetheless only having two parents
Oh…what a roller coaster of emotions it has been. Just to have seen the photo of them in the beginning of the blog made my heart so happy thinking they were back! As I am sure with everyone else that has been touched by this amazing story… we wishing them all the best… and hope they come back from time to time to let us know they are OK…Thank You to all of you for this wonderful journey that is now part of our hearts❣️
You are most welcome Barbi, I am so glad we could share the story with you and that you followed it so closely.
Hi Sean. We seem to remember that we saw a totally different group of 5 Wild Dogs on Londolozi. What has happened to them please, do you know? Wendy M
Hi Wendy, yes there has been a number of different packs crossing through Londolozi. I am not one hundred percent sure of where that pack has ended up. There is a pack of four that we have seen on the eastern parts of the property and a much larger pack (I think 10-12) on Singita.
What a ride! I hope they continue to thrive and visit from time to time
I am sure they will do well and we hope to see them soon
I love hearing about this Wild Dog family. What amazing and cunning parents! Hoping they all stick together to form a strong pack!
The parents have done so well up until this point, and we are sure that they will continue.
What a great recap on the Wild Dog family that stole all our hearts. Thank you Sean. It certainly will remain my all time favorite regardless that it was all through virtual drives. I felt as if I was ‘very present’ as my emotions certainly ran a rollercoaster ride throughout their story. Blessed to have been there ..virtually 💗
Thank you Cally, I am so glad we got to keep you so involved in the story right the way through. It has kept us so captivated and at least we could translate that through to you and for you to still feel the emotions we are feeling. Thank you for joining us.
Definitely the story of the year, so far! Your recap is a comprehensive journey from the sighting of the very pregnant female, through the first glimpse of the puppies emerging from the den and then the discovery that one was gone. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and now I’ve learned there are 7…. filmed in Singita this morning. Still, it’s one of nature’s miracles that this pair of dogs is apparently doing well, juggling the hunting and feeding of all their pups without the benefit of a pup watcher! I’ll continue to tune in to their story.
Thank you for following the story so closely and being so invested in it. Yes there are now only 7 pups. But it has been a miracle that they have raised the pups to this age given that there are only 2 adults and the mother’s first litter. It is still a long road ahead but they are do incredibly well.
I relived the tale of this family and it’s ups and downs with your great summation, Sean. Great writing filled with such emotion. I thought of this as a rollercoaster ride myself….but it’s wonderful!
I am so glad that could highlight some of the most intense and emotional moments of the story and give a good overall summary. Thank you very much.
This has been one of the most beautiful stories to follow, and certainly the most engaging. Godspeed to the new pack and looking. Forward to updates!!
We will be sure to keep you updated on the happenings and developments of the pack.
Thank you!!
Hi Sean
What ever became of this pack of 2 wild dogs and the pups
Saw they moved the den etc lost a few pups and then haven’t seen anything since
Hi Ian, Sadly that pack of two never made it. I believe that they had a run-in with the Mhnageni Pride of lions and the female was badly injured and the male was never seen again.
What a cool story
A really nice blog Sean. How good is that to finally have wild dog dens on Londolozi and what great news that only one pup died. I pray the rest will make it to adulthood. Thanks for sharing with us. Be well and stay safe.
This two adult pack found each other against all odds , they will continue to surprise us and our Mother Nature will bless them
The spirited parental sacrifice exhibited by the one eared female wilddog and her partner shows how much care and affection wild animals have.perseverence as well.
The wild dog narrative takesbus on rollercoaster trail as we witnessed the love,survival,danger the pups faced.inevitable the spirited efforts of the one eared mother were tested to the limits as she & her partner conquered many obstacles brought about by nature.
This family of wild dogs has authored or perhaps etched a beautiful love story on the plains of the Londolozi wilderness.Looking at the way the mother lost her ear ,banishment from main pack but still the gods of nature connived to give her a loving & supportive partner ,together they have seen the world throw numerous challenges at their family. herez wishing the small strong family a better 2020 breeding season.