Maryke Scheun sent this video to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while visiting Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Conservation Area.
Pups gone astray
According to the report received by Latest Sightings, several young African wild dogs followed a herd of impalas onto private property.
It went on to explain that their pack’s alpha pair, still on the Thornybush property, had summoned them. However, to obey this instruction, the young dogs found themselves blocked by a sturdy game fence.
Nothing stops them
However, although the young pack appeared perplexed at the obstacle, we hear Maryke’s guide express confidence in their intelligence. In his opinion, nothing keeps them in… or out.
However, careful inspection reveals that there are several strands of electric fencing to contend with.
The pups show their apprehension through tense postures, keeping their eyes fixed across the fence, where the adult alphas likely wait.
Knew the assignment
It seems all the youngsters knew the assignment. Therefore, it was just a matter of time before they worked out how to execute it.
Possibly having previously had to cross one of these boundaries, it didn’t take the first dog long to poke its nose under the fence.
First to freedom
With the risk of a painful electrical jolt at stake, the pup carefully slid under one strand, before deftly stepping over the next.
As it did so, all the other young dogs paid careful attention. Soon, they too would have to replicate the feat.
Did we miss something?
However, perhaps wary of making a painful mistake, the rest of the pack were nervous. They gathered close to the fence, carefully inspecting their sibling’s route.
In general, electrified game fencing does not deliver a fatal shock. However, designed to deter animals as large as elephants, their shock is quite painful.
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Mama’s waiting
As time passes, we can see that the pups are getting quite worked up. Their loyalty to their alpha male and female is absolute.
Accordingly, it wasn’t long before a second dog braved and then conquered the fence-crossing.
Seeing the ease with which their second sibling had slipped through, the next crossing involved a pair. They were easily getting the knack.
No sooner were they through than a third pup followed suit. With that, only one young wild dog remained on the wrong side of the fence.
Not to be outdone
Initially, it seemed that the final dog was having doubts that he could do what he had just seen his siblings do. As we watch, we get a sense of the nervous tension among Maryke and her companions.
Thankfully, after procrastinating for a short while, the last dog easily slipped under the fence. In no time at all, the relieved dog ran into the roadside vegetation to join his pack.
Unnatural boundaries
An unfortunate by-product of human expansion, game fences are necessary where conflicting interests, such as wildlife tourism and agriculture, collide.
For wide-ranging animals like wild dogs, they are but one more challenge to overcome as the species teeters on the brink of extinction.
Thankfully, in this case, the pack was easily reunited. This, to both their relief and that of Maryke and her companions, as they cheered their successful crossing.