Wild dogs need an awful amount of open space, which is one of the reasons they are so endangered and why, for a long time, they were only found in really large reserves like Kruger and Luangwa in Zambia. But, when the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve was proclaimed in 1991, it was decided that, along with more than 10 000 animals from 28 species, wild dogs would be reintroduced into the area. This project was called Operation Phoenix and was the largest re-introduction of animals into a game reserve.
All the lodges at Madikwe try to keep tabs on the painted dogs so they have an idea where they are likely to be. And so, determined to see one, I joined in an early morning game drive. And I mean early. It was winter, and we were woken hours before dawn, revived with coffee and rusks, wrapped up in cosy blankets, and then driven off way to the other side of the reserve where the dogs were holed up that particular day.
It was a long drive and it was pretty darn chilly, but it was worth it. We got to the den just as the dogs were waking up. They yawned and stretched and greeted each other with gentle cuffs and sniffs, and lay in the sun to warm up. It was an interesting experience. They are dogs – of course – so their behaviour is immediately familiar. But then, after a while they got up and started ambling across the open plains in a seemingly random, but probably very focused pattern – in search of breakfast no doubt. That’s when the resemblance to Fido and Fifi disappeared. These dogs moved with a steady purpose and a definite sense of working together as a well co-ordinated team. We followed them for a while and then, also with the thought of food uppermost in our minds, returned to the lodge for a hearty brunch.
I had previously seen all the big five, and I can get an immense satisfaction from watching even the oft-sighted (but very beautiful) impala. But, quite honestly, watching these beautiful, highly endangered and – somehow – endearing animals was special. I hope they’ll be around for my grandchildren to see.
On a positive note: Mfuwe Lodge guests in Zambia have had some great wild dog sightings recently… and, judging from the appearance of one female, they think that some new pups are possibly on the way!? But more importantly did you know that their guides work closely with the “Zambian Carnivore Programme” to monitor, research and help conserve this threatened species? If you would more information go to the Zambian Carnivore Program website.