The term “agent of chaos” might typically refer to a person or people, that purposefully cause chaos for the sake of entertainment or mischievous individuals. Now I know wild dogs are not people and the chaos that unfolds in their presence is not for their own entertainment, so strictly speaking, wild dogs are not agents of chaos, but for the sake of this post, I certainly feel that they are. In the wild, chaos can unfold in the most unexpected and thrilling ways and certainly is enough to get the adrenaline going. Especially when watching wild dogs on the move as you never know what will happen next.
An old photograph that I took of five wild dogs in the late evening, but still one of my favourites
Whilst sitting on Varty Camp Deck, enjoying a coffee before the morning game drive, the distant roars of lions set the tone for an adventure waiting to unfold.
As we set out to track down the source of the roars, little did we know we were in for a series of heart-pounding moments. Within minutes, we had successfully found ourselves the Ntsevu Pride, five lionesses and 13 cubs basking in the morning sun alongside a magnificent rhino bull – a rare sight indeed!
![Ntsevu Pride And Rhino (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12135231/Ntsevu-pride-and-rhino-2-RCB-1598x903.jpg)
This large bull was more interested than us than the pride of lions behind him. It was amazing to watch some of the more inquisitive cubs stalk him (as if they had even the slightest chance of success!)
But the real excitement began when a pack of wild dogs entered the scene. A message came through on the radio that a pack of three wild dogs were inbound! Their arrival, though coincidental, added an electrifying twist to our already captivating morning. Anticipation hung in the air as the predators converged, each species unaware of the other’s presence.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12135958/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-2-RCB-1598x778.jpg)
It’s very rare to capture two predators in the same frame, you then add a rhino into the mix and get a unique scenario playing out.
My immediate prediction was that the wild dogs would get a fright at the sight of that many lions and would flee in the opposite direction. But instead, it was the lions who retreated in the face of the wild dogs. Perhaps their maternal instincts kicked in, prioritizing the safety of their vulnerable cubs over a confrontation with these agile predators.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (6) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140043/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-6-RCB-1598x1028.jpg)
This lioness was the most brazen and stood her ground for the longest time. Had the cubs not been there, I would assume that the lions would have been much more aggressive towards the wild dogs.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (11) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140153/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-11-RCB-1598x895.jpg)
It was a matter of time before this last lioness stood up and followed the rest of her pride towards the thickets behind them.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (13) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140214/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-13-RCB-1598x926.jpg)
A standoff between two of Africas most endangered mammals.
As the lions faded into the thicket, our attention shifted to the wild dogs, still wary of their surroundings, they turned and trotted in the direction from which they had come. Their journey took an unexpected turn when they encountered a formidable roadblock in the form of a breeding herd of elephants.
![Wild Dogs And Elephant [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12142017/Wild-Dogs-and-elephant-RCB-1598x1240.jpg)
A roadblock that one would be wise to adhere to!
The elephant roadblock meant that the wild dogs had to reluctantly veer off the road to continue on their intended direction. This meant that we temporarily lost them. Just as we were about to cut our losses and call it quits on trying to find them again Trevor heard some commotion nearby. We turned a corner only to find the three wild dogs rapidly moving towards a tall tree and then realised what had got them so excited – a leopard!
![Nhlanguleni Female With Impala Lamb In Jackalberry [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/13095846/Nhlanguleni-Female-with-impala-lamb-in-jackalberry-RCB-1065x1598.jpg)
The Nhlanguleni Female breathes a sigh of relief after hoisting an impala lamb into a jackalberry tree.
Amidst the chaos of the wild dogs’ pursuit, the leopard had seized the opportunity to secure its meal, hoisting it high above the reach of its competitors. It was a snapshot of survival in its purest form, a fleeting moment of triumph amidst the unforgiving landscape.
Amongst the chaos caused by the wild dogs, an impala lamb would most likely have been running away from its pursuers, only to land itself in the jaws of the Nhlanguleni Female. It seemed as though the wild dogs heard the impala being killed and ran in to investigate. The leopard did what it knew best and hoisted the impala into the nearest and most appropriate tree to avoid the wild dogs stealing it. Now we really had seen it all! It all played out so quickly that none of us on the vehicle were able to capture the moment on video, but here is a snapshot of what we saw to give you a taste:
There is very rarely a dull moment when wild dogs are on the move, the above series of events is the perfect example of such moments tied together! In my next blog post I intend on providing more information on this pack of wild dogs and will lay out what I think lies ahead of them. Stay tuned!
Robert, thank you for the lions, rhino, and wild dogs encounter. It is fun to watch the dynamics play out.
Hi Robbie, what an absolutely fantastic morning! Just seeing this big pride of lions would have been very special. But with a rhino and wild dogs, the herd of elephants and a leopard that had just killed an Impala! Lucky you! Would have loved to see something that spectacular.
Robbie, you certainly had a wonderful morning with 4 of the big 5 present on your sighting. On top of that all 2 of the species that were present are indangered as well. The wild dogs came and scrambled all the animals around, but they must have got a fright with the road block of those huge elephants in the road. Not to talk about the leopard in the tree that had to hurry up and get her kill up in the tree before the wild dogs would steal it. What a morning Robbie, you should be so pleased to see all that excitement in one mornings sighting. Well done!
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your blog about wild dogs today! It was a lovely moment to read about the wild dogs and what they were up to. Thank you for the two films… beautiful photos! I will stay tuned!
Thank you for sharing!
One of our most exciting experiences was chasing a group of wild dogs as they were chasing down their prey, Organized chaos
Amazing encounter, Robbie ! Can’t wait to be back in a few months and hope to see much of the same.
Amazing encounter, Robbie ! Can’t wait to see more of the same in a few months.
So exciting! What a packed day! Do you think the wild dogs would have gone for one of the lion cubs if they had found them wondering? They sure seem to have little fear! Looking forward to hearing more about these three!
This all is so cool Robert! I love the wild dogs, and their chaotic nature makes for great excitement!
What an amazing morning you and your guests experienced. Just seeing the Ntsevu pride “relaxing” with their cubs in the presence of the rhino bull is a thrill in itself, but then the arrival of the wild dogs changes the dynamics completely, bringing a bit of chaos into the scene. Due to their reputation of being killing machines when searching for a meal, the word chaos does seem to apply as one watches the ensuing frenzy. Love the images and videos.
That was a very exciting morning! I could feel the adrenaline just reading this article.
Always a pleasure to go on an exciting Safari with you Robbie…even if it’s virtual!!!!
Robbie, I bet your guests couldn’t believe their luck, what an amazing morning!
Hi Robert, I loved the scene of the rhino and the lions you don’t see it often really. When the dogs met the elephants, that was great! The elephants must fear nothing but bees and humans… the dogs must have got a fright in front of such towering creatures. Do you know anything more on that rhino? There are so few ones left… have you ever watched dholes (Asian wild dogs)? They are similar also in behaviour
Can’t wait to hear more specifics around this pack in particular.