About the Author

Dean de la Rey

Alumni Ranger

Dean was a guide at Londolozi from 2018 to 2022. He grew up in Johannesburg and it was from his very first trip to the bush at the age of two that he was captivated by this environment (he claims he can remember ...

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12 Comments

on My Growing Obsession with Wild Dog

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Dean, I believe some of my most exciting drives on safari in Southern Africa have been following/chasing wild dogs whilst they’re in pursuit of prey. The craziness of off road driving through the bush, sometimes mowing down small trees and shattering dead logs is thrilling, but especially if we are rewarded with the “capture”. I’ve not been fortunate enough to see puppies, timing is everything, but I continue to say, next visit.
Good to read your passion through your words.

Hi Dean, wild dogs are taxonomically very similar to their Asian cousins Dholes. (Called wild dogs too) also their social habits and hunting strategies are alike, they differ a lot from wolves (some call them painted wolves which is scientifically incorrect). I think they have interesting social habits. When I was a child I liked them then after discovering they tear their prey alive i was shocked. None the less they are very important animals and quite intriguing. I also saw them hunting a mother leopard this is really hard to digest…

Wonderful – I love them too. I did a painting of two wild dogs – how can I show you?

Hi Cyndy, that is amazing, if you would like to share it with us via blog@londolozi.co.za.

Wild dogs are certainly one of the most amazing animals. Their incredible speed and alertness to any prey is stunning. I have been lucky to see and follow several packs in different areas. Certainly the best viewing was at Londolozi where I saw three different packs in four days or so.

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Definitely one of my absolute favorite animals!! I just love everything about them, how family oriented they are, skillful, intelligent and resilient. Thanks for the great article!

Dean I am fascinated by the wild dogs and their energy levels. Family bonding is so beautiful to watch and the little ones are too gorgeous for words. Each dog has his / her own pattern on their coats which makes them even more spectacular.

An interesting blog Dean. I also love the wild dogs and have to agree that they are definitely efficient hunters. It is not always a pretty sight to see, however, I love the fact that they work as a group and they share. Basically not a scrap is left. I hope that the pups of the group that have moved on will survive. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

It sounds like you are not too far behind Jess with your ever growing love for the wild dog😉 …and rightly so when Londolozi has been so fortunate to have 2 seperate packs denning in 2 years ! Hoping there will be more in the future and that I might be lucky enough to witness the new pups first day out of the den one day 🤞

Dean, the more guides that fall in love with the Painted Dogs the larger their fan club will become as you educate guests. Hopefully the result will improve financial support for their conservation. So I am really excited that you are hooked! They are by far my favorite African animal.

I’m also completely obsessed with these animals!!!

Dean, We are with you on your obsession with the Wild Dogs! There is definitely an adrenaline rush whenever they pop up! We were sad to hear they had moved off Londolozi but have no doubt they will be back!

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