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Sean Zeederberg

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As a young boy growing up on an agricultural farm in Zimbabwe, Sean spent every opportunity entertaining himself outdoors, camping in the local nature reserve and learning about all facets of the natural world. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental ...

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24 Comments

on Unprecedented Wild Dog Discovery- Virtual Safari #230

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Wow, Sean. What an absolutely flabbergasting development! To steal pups from their parents!
There are so many questions about the why and the dynamics of these packs. Why do they steal pups? Are they maybe somehow related to the other pack? That one pack tries to kill pups of another pack is kind of “understandable” because they are competitors for food. However, it was a horrible sight to see it done in the video.
But to go and steal the little ones? Why not have their own pups?
Questions over questions…
I am looking forward to getting more information about the development and interactions of these two packs. I do hope that the pups survive with their adopted pack or their original one.
Anyway, extremely exciting-
What an amazing discovery

There are so many questions, which we will get to soon. But all in all it is such an interesting development.

ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING!!!

We are blown away by what is going on.

WHAT?! This was like watching a mystery novel unfold. I can’t wait to hear your theories. Do you know if any of the adults of either pack are related? I’m trying to remember when the Toulon pack last had pups and if they survived. As long as the pups continue to be taken care of, this may actually give them a greater chance of survival now that they have more support from additional adults. It would also take pressure off the pack of three and their injured alpha male, although I’m sure they will mourn the loss. This whole situation is fascinating!

The entire story is so unbelievable that we keep wondering what will happen next. We can’t wait to share more on this story with you all.

Wow Sean, what an ordeal. I feel sorry for the little pup that has been kidnapped. I wonder what the mother is thinking of when she sees her one cub is now missing. What on earth are the Toulan Pack doing, or maybe they see that the one adult male is injured and now that he cannot go hunting to feed the female and pups. My mind is totally confused about this pup stealing of the 3 pack. Please let us know why this happened, it is totally confusing and alarming.

It is so interesting to see what is happening with all the wild dogs. We will share another video with you soon.

Sean, this story is simply amazing , to see a new pack adopt the pups of another group is something I have never seen or experienced. Mammals one on one adoption is something I have experienced but not with a pack. I know you will keep us up to date and informed.

It is fascinating to see this all unfold, and yes we will keep you updated as soon as we can.

OMG Sean, What an unbelievable story! Can’t wait to hear what happens next! What’s happened to the injured male?

It is such a great story. I believe that he is recovering.

This wild dog scenario is absolutely mind blowing! Thankfully you have the footage from the camera traps to document the chain of events as they have occurred in real time. It’s difficult to put into words what’s transpired and what the outcome might be, but so far it appears that there hasn’t been any aggression amongst the Toulon pack. I’m waiting with baited breath to hear and see what happens when the pack of three return to the den – will any pups still be around, will they look for the Toulon pack, will there be a fight, or will the pups be killed? The next few days will be telling……

It really is mind blowing. So far there has been minimal aggression amongst the Toulon Pack. The next little while is going to hopefully answer all our questions.

Great narrative, amazing behavior.

Thank you so much.

Wow wow wow!!!

It is truly fascinating.

Wow, I only read this now. It is absolutely crazy. Can’t wait to follow this ground breaking story. Hope all 3 pups survive in the end and that the injured male heals well.

Hi Sean! Thank you for such a brand new work, as an ethologist I’m always very curious to see unprecedentedly observed behaviours in animals. First of all, do you know if any member of the Toulon pack has lost any pup? That might be a cause. The pack of three is undoubtedly weak, and I feel for them. No animal can stay and see their puppies are being stolen without suffering. Secondly, they are very weak. Easily prey target by hyenas, that dig into holes, lions, even male leopards. Their situation doesn’t look great after the male got so badly wounded. I haven’t understood the role of the second female exactly, is she a previous daughter? Or she just joined the pack coming from another, like wild dogs do, say, the Toulon pack? While wild dog males often stay in the original pack, females usually look for another, otherwise there would be a too strong interbreeding. Very moving anyway. I look forward to knowing the following

Incredible, thank you all for documenting this amazing story with these beautiful animals. Mind-blowing!
Can’t wait to hear more as things progress, and please ask them to hang around until we are there in the new year 🙂

Thank you so much, Liam. Will keep everyone posted on any new developments and we can’t wait to delve into some of the theories as to why this has happened. I hope for your sake that they are still around when you visit.

Very interested to learn more about the role of the females and the wounded male.
Hope to be able to witness some of this next week!

I hope you are able to see them too.

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