This is what happened when Marine Servonnat stopped her vehicle to watch a pack of wild dogs.
Watching African wild dog packs is fascinating because their behaviour is very different from most other predators. They are one of the most social and cooperative hunters in the animal world, and almost everything they do happens as a team.
Their social structure also makes them compelling to watch. Packs are tightly bonded. These wild dogs were enjoying some ‘team time’ by a waterhole.
When everything is on the line, the most amazing sightings happen, like this zebra standing up to wild dogs all on its own. And the next time it happens, you could be the first to see it. Just click below to join our WhatsApp alerts group and get our content first.
Wild dogs set sights on herd of zebra
Marine explained that the pack of wild dogs and their pups were playing and drinking by a dam in the reserve when she first saw them. Wild dogs are a rare sighting and she stopped her car to watch.
This was when a herd of zebra approached the waterhole area.
Wild dogs normally target medium-sized antelope such as impala, nyala, and young kudu. These animals are easier for a pack to bring down because they are smaller and more manageable.
The dogs’ hunting strategy relies on endurance and teamwork, chasing prey over distance until it becomes exhausted. Medium-sized antelope are ideal for this method.
Zebras are much larger and more dangerous. An adult zebra can weigh over 300kg and has a very powerful kick which can seriously injure or even kill a predator. Because of this, wild dogs usually avoid healthy adult zebras if they have other options available.
The wild dogs, however, determined to chase after the zebra!
‘Hero’ zebra determines to defend herd
“Three adult wild dogs decided to go after the zebras,” Marine explained.
This was when things got interesting. Among the zebra was a herd member which refused to be intimidated by the dogs.
Marine said that instead of retreating from the wild dogs, this zebra chose to not only stand its ground but to start to chase them!
She described how the brave zebra put foot to chase, and with its head down, started to run towards the pack instead of away from it. It was defending its herd!
With a series of powerful kicks and a sudden charge, the solitary stallion confronted the wild dogs. Its hooves struck with precision, each kick sending the predators scattering backward.
The pack was left startled by such unexpected aggression from a single animal. The zebra was relentless.
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Zebra stallion displays heroic bravado
The zebra drove the pack back, zigzagging to block their advances and positioning itself between the herd and the predators.
Wild dogs determine to leave her of zebra alone
Finally, the wild dogs, frustrated and wary of injury, broke off their hunt and retreated. The herd was shaken but unharmed.
This encounter was a striking reminder that in the wild, bravery and instinct can sometimes outweigh numbers. The lone zebra’s determination ensured the safety of the herd.
The wild dogs eventually returned to the water’s edge, having been suitably humbled by their designated ‘prey’. There was no more chasing for now. Perhaps later they would resume their pack hunting antics. However, for this moment stillness and peace had returned to the bushveld setting.