As mentioned in my previous blog, A Step Deeper Into Wild Dog-Lion Interactions, encountering wild dogs across Africa’s vast landscapes is a rare and treasured experience. These extraordinary animals depend heavily on the ecological balance of their surroundings, often linked to the presence of lions. However, the size of a pack can significantly impact their survival and success, presenting a unique challenge for smaller groups.
One such example is the small pack of wild dogs that occasionally roams Londolozi. Originally a trio, this pack was tragically reduced to two after the female was killed in a confrontation with the Toulon Pack. Earlier in the year, the Toulon Pack had also taken the trio’s pups, compounding the challenges faced by this fragile group. These events underscore the harsh realities of survival in the wild, where the odds often seem stacked against smaller packs.
Recently, there have been sporadic sightings of this pair with a new female, though she is currently nursing a severe limp. This glimmer of hope suggests the possibility of the pack rebuilding and regaining strength. Should the new female recover, the three could unite into a more formidable group, embodying the remarkable resilience for which wild dogs are known.
Wild dogs are social animals with complex familial bonds, and their strength lies in their cooperation. Yet, their stories of survival also highlight their incredible adaptability and determination. While on a recent two-week break from work, I heard a tale from a family friend about a wild dog in Botswana, known simply as “Solo,” whose story is a profound testament to the resilience of this species.
Solo became a legendary figure, not for leading a thriving pack but for surviving alone. After a devastating encounter with predators that scattered her pack, Solo was left to navigate the unforgiving wilderness on her own. In a species where cooperative hunting and communal care are vital, her solitary existence defied the odds. Yet Solo’s survival was not merely a testament to her strength—it was also a reflection of her ability to adapt and form bonds in the most unlikely ways.
Jackal pups stay close to their den site avoiding any predators
She shared her kills with black-backed jackals, and even regurgitated meat for the jackal pups, developing a unique companionship with them and their pups. Her empathy extended to waiting for the jackals during hunts and calling out at night, ensuring her makeshift family stayed close. Even her interactions with hyenas, typically hostile competitors, were marked by mutual respect. The hyenas tolerated her presence and allowed her space—an unusual display of interspecies harmony.
For a brief moment, the urge of curiosity and intrigue overtook the innate competitiveness between these two animals as they nuzzled each other’s noses.
Solo’s extraordinary life demonstrated the resourcefulness and compassion inherent in wild dogs. Her bonds, even with other species, embodied the care and loyalty that define this remarkable predator. She not only survived but aided the survival of those jackal pups—a poignant reminder that survival often depends as much on connection as on strength.
Solo’s story resonates deeply as I reflect on the challenges faced by the small pack at Londolozi. Wild dogs are fiercely devoted to one another, working tirelessly to ensure the survival of their group. The resilience and compassion they display give us hope for the pack of two—now potentially three. If the new female recovers, they have a real chance to establish themselves as a successful and enduring presence in the Sabi Sand region.
This small pack, against all odds, may yet remind us of the unyielding spirit of the African wild dog—a species that continues to inspire awe and admiration through its determination to survive, adapt, and care for its own.
Hi, this story is absolutely great, very interesting! I would be very careful to assert that wild dogs are renowned for compassion and empathy. Of course, they are strictly cooperative animals and dependent on a very tight social bond. The main character is an adult female. Females of all species have a strong maternal instinct, their hormones levels and types are different and depending on the case they can do wonders. The famous story of leopard Legadema, adopting a baby baboon, or.the lionesses Kamunyak and Lady Leuwa are clear examples. I never heard anything about a wild dog female anyway, jackals are smaller canids that also live in permanent couples, they can’t do alone… the relationship with the lone hyena is so intriguing. I think hyenas have a more plastic adaptive behaviour than other animals. Very precious story, a good end for the year. I hope that the so unlucky pack of three recover well. It seems that their greatest enemies are their own species, rather than lions. I see lions are worst enemies to leopards in Londolozi….
Ah, the old yin yang of humans and the bush. We understand the sometimes tragic realities of what animals must do to survive yet our warm hearts yearn for happy endings.
Thanks for the update Dean. I hope that this small pack can thrive in the future, it will be very interesting to see and document.
I do hope the female recovers and the new pack of three will continue to thrive and reproduce. The story of Solo is touching, and a great reminder that we all need each other. There is no such thing as self-made. It reminds me of the resilience of the Tsalala female as well. Happy New Year!
Wild dogs were one of the animals we sadly didn’t see on our safari. They amaze me and happy to hear this small pack is still around and loved hearing about Solo’s story! HNY and to many more great sightings!
Hi Kate, I hope the pack of 3 will grow strong and maybe along the way get more wild dogs to join there pack. Stunning photo of the wild dog and hyena rubbing noses. Happy New Year to you Kate and all at Londolozi.
Wonderful for this small pack that they might more successful threesome.
Actually in Tswalu they had a pack of 3 that reared 12 pups. Though two of the adults were a bit handicapped.
If Solo used to live in Mombo, Botswana, then I also met her. She always slept together with the jackals and looked after their young ones.
Really, very interesting behaviour.
Good luck to your small pack and
A very happy 2025 for everyone at Londolozi
Thanks for this follow-up Dean as I’ve been wondering how this small pack of dogs was doing. I know they had added a female but knowing that she has a leg injury is not good news. Let’s hope she will recover and perhaps give birth to puppies in 2025. Otherwise like Solo, if only there continues to be the two male dogs, hopefully they will continue to demonstrate the resilience these dogs are known for and continue to thrive.