It’s often a guest's first question to our experienced trackers here at Sabi Sabi - "What is your favourite animal?" This question is mostly answered by a casual look backwards, a huge smile and a glint in the eye - "Any babies".

I have to agree with them - there is nothing that evokes joy and passion in somebody than the youthful energy and playfulness of youth. This is epitomized by Wild Dog pups which we have enjoyed the pleasure of this last cycle.

Their energy is infectious and this continues through to their adult lives as they are endurance specialists capable of maintaining high speeds for long distances. This enables them to run down their prey and gives them the title of the most efficient hunters in the African Bushveld.

The bonding of the pack is very important as they must learn to work together to bring down the larger prey items. Their constant playfulness with each other is important in establishing dominance within the group of pups, this can come across as bullying but is a necessity to establish a hierarchy amongst the new generation.

Their curiosity with their surroundings is very entertaining where elephant dung can also even be used as a toy!

It’s important to learn the basics of the hunt.

Number 1 - Find the prey...

Number 2 - Get close enough to make an assault...

Number 3 - Remain undetected and start the stalk...

Number 4 - The chase...

Number 5 - Once the kill has been made, enjoy the time with the pack...

Number 6 - The last one but equally as important, relax!

Every now and again mischievousness can go too far, but the adults are never too far away to discipline the youngsters to keep them in check.

Once the wrath of the adults has died down and the time in the naughty corner has been served, it’s time to get back to bonding and to be on the lookout for some fun.

I know that this blog is a little different to my usual blogs, but we must never forget that life is fun - youth teaches us that. After seeing baby animals in action, our guest leave with the same look as our tackers - a glint in the eye and a huge smile.