As a ranger, we are not really supposed to just have one favourite animal but for me, I can’t deny it and not say that one of my favourite animals are wild dogs. They are one of my favourite animals for many different reasons but one of these reasons is because of their playful behaviour. Whether it is playing with one another in the pack chasing each other on land or in water or simply just chasing a zebra in circles.
Knowing this behaviour I did not hesitate to join ranger Andrea Sithole when he called in that a pack of wild dogs were close to the Sand River, in the hope that we could see them crossing the river.
We parked the vehicle 0n the northern bank of the Sand River and waited until we saw one ear pop out then a flash of a white-tipped tail. Then with a splash, the whole pack were in the water. They had chosen a spot where it was clear and shallow so to ensure their crossing was safe from crocodiles.
Ranger Andrea Sithole and Tracker Sersant with their guest enjoy the wild dogs walking past them.
There is something special about seeing an animal for the first time only a few feet away from you and even more so when they interact with one another but the real cherry on top is seeing animals in or around water. We were expecting the pack just to cross the river but our expectations were exceeded when they started to play with each other in the river.
This type of playfulness helps strengthen their bonds with each pack member and helps develop their hunting skills. This play also attributes to the high level of endurance that they need to chase down their prey.
Still a fantastic sight to see!
Wild dogs are very entertaining around water. Most cats such as leopards will avoid getting wet by leaping over a stream or using a path of boulders to get across, which don’t get me wrong is also a bucket list view or photo opportunity. But wild dogs often take advantage of a shallow waterhole or stream. Firstly to drink water and secondly to cool down. After a hunt wild dogs will often seek out a puddle of water to lie in to help thermoregulate. But sometimes their playful nature takes over and they cannot resist the water where they chase each other in circles as if the water excites them. This is why I enjoy following wild dogs and cant not enjoy a few minutes of wild dogs pouncing on each other wagging their tails with what I think looks like joy.
A wild dog stands cooling itself in the water while watching the rest of the pack speed past.
Ranger Chris Taylor managed to capture this unbelievable shot from a low angle. This was just before he got the pink pouch getting stuck in the Sand River. Chris had to call the tractor to get him out but he and his guests smiled at us and said “It was worth it!”
It was hard to capture it all and to not put emotion into how the wild dogs were feeling but it sparked a feeling of joy and laughter in all of us, some could say it was playful and some could say it’s just necessary for muscle development, fitness and social bonding or all of the above, who really knows? Soon after they finished chasing each other they crossed the Sand River and found a shady bush which they then rested under for the rest of the day.
So special!!!
Fabulous story Jess, I also love the wild dogs. Just to see them play in the water makes my heart warm knowing that they are enjoying themselves, and at the same time cooling down and bonding. It is fascinating to see their marking and each one’s markings are different to each other’s. They look so happy and content in the water and getting a bath at the same time.
So much fun to watch, thanks for sharing.
Great actions shots! I could almost hear the splashing!
Just plain wonderful. One of our very favorites too. Water just seems to excite them so joyfully and such a treat to watch!!!
What a fabulous sighting! Lucky guests!
Wild dogs are also some of my favorite animals. Your photos of the dogs in the water are just great! You have really captured the joy and excitement these animals are feeling while chasing each other and splashing around in the water . Thanks Jess and Chris!!
You’re quite right Jess about the joy viewing wild dogs brings. I find them highly entertaining,especially in and around water, like watching labs at play in a lake or ocean. Whilst playing in water, their social hierarchy seems to disappear…. great action photos!
A lovely account Jess of the playful Wild Dogs ❤️. Even though it cost Chris the pink pouch I’m sure he didn’t get too much slack from the team as I’m sure you all spent more time afterwards reliving the spectacle and not teasing him 😁
That must have been great to watch! I know when my dogs get the “zoomies” I love watching them run and play together. 🥰
A really nice blog Jess. I am also a wild dog fan. I am so glad you have them coming to Londolozi and hope their numbers will steadily climb. They are fantastic hunters and I love the team work. Thanks for sharing with us – I love the pics also.