Zululand’s Remarkable Painted Puppies Reared By Pack Males!
The Zululand Wildlife Conservation Project had unusual yet heartening news to share with us last week. The Mbulunga wild dog pack, introduced to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park last year, have had an unconventional yet successful denning season. Two puppies, estimated to be three months old, have been seen travelling with the adults more frequently, which is typical for their age range...
What is not so typical is that the puppies are being reared solely by male pack members. Sadly, their mother, the alpha female (and only remaining female of the pack), died of natural causes a short few weeks after their birth. Remarkably, the five remaining males’ paternal instincts kicked in, and they have banded together to raise the two pups.
The puppies at this age would usually receive milk from their mother to supplement their diet, but for the past two months, they have been fed entirely on regurgitated meat from the males! The puppies are slightly smaller than usual for their age but look in great shape and will soon join the pack when they head out to hunt.
Whilst this is not the first time a pack consisting only of male members have reared puppies, it is a rare occurrence and an impressive feat! We hope to receive further updates from species monitor Kaeleah Andrew on the adorable pair and their dedicated pack in the upcoming months. A huge thank you to volunteer Patrick Rüegg for capturing the beautiful photos seen in this blog.
Share this Article...
Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.
Leave a Comment...
Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.
Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.
Featured Videos
See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.
Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.
Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.
Latest Blog Arcticles
Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...
Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure
Linda Duchin volunteered at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan...
Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story
Join us on a remarkable rewilding journey as we revisit the...
Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure
Janet and Mick joined The Great Gorilla Project last year...
The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience
Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...
The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips
Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...
Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary
Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...
Contact Info
UK OfficeThe Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
Sat 10am-4pm
Helpful Links
