A pack of wild dogs took down a kudu in dramatic fashion...

When people think and talk about the ultimate killers and the most successful hunters in the bush, many are surprised to find out that that title often belongs to the African Wild Dog. When we look at lions for example, it is safe to say that their kill rate or hunting success is often around 30 percent, depending on pride size etc. If they are compared to the wild dogs they almost look like amateurs as the much smaller carnivore success rate can be as high as 80%. Their stamina and patience is incredible and often rewarding for these amazing animals. They will run their prey down to exhaustion and will continue chasing an animal long after most other predators would have given up. This is exactly what we saw one afternoon unfolding in front of Bush Lodge. This was probably one my most exciting, but also most gruesome and somewhat sad sighting I’ve ever had.

It all started with my tracker picking up some elephant tracks that looked like it could head in the direction of Bush Lodge. This has become a hot spot for all animals as most other water sources are drying up. We decided to go past the waterhole to see if there was any activity or maybe some elephants there. Suddenly my tracker pointed out that he could see some wild dogs ahead at the waterhole. My first thought was that they are having a drink of water, but as we came closer it was clear what happened.

The pack of wild dogs had chased a young female kudu into the water and she was standing there, trying to stay out of harm’s way. For the time being she was safe as the wild dogs ran around the pan getting all worked upped and excited. One could see the dogs were trying to build up courage to brave the water as crocodiles are normally a threat to them if trying to drink or cross the river. This was evident, as they would go up to the water, scan the surface and nervously enter the shallow parts not making much headway. This went on for about 30 minutes or so with the wild dogs entertaining us with their loud chirping and pre-hunt rituals. It was almost like each dog tried to convince the other members of the pack to brave the water first.

By this time, every safari vehicle in the vicinity was interested in the sighting as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view animal interaction like this. Unfortunately to keep the pressure of these animals only a certain number of vehicles were able to join. A plan was quickly made and before long the rest of the rangers and their guests went back to Bush Lodge as they could view all the action and drama taking place from the lodge deck.

Everybody was holding their breath and waiting in anticipation to see who would make the next move. Suddenly one dog gathered enough courage and made the leap into the water. He was soon to be followed by some of the other pack members and I knew it was game over. They started dragging the kudu towards the shore and as soon as they pulled her out of the water they started feasting as only wild dogs can and in a matter of minutes there was only skin and bone left.

After the adrenalin rush was over and things calmed downed one could actually look back and reflect on what just happened. One can’t help but feel sorry for the kudu and even though it is the circle of life and survival of the fittest, it’s not wrong to have mixed feelings of what you just witnessed. Would the sighting have been better if the kudu escaped and the dogs moved off or does being part of something like this make us understand the brutal and ruthlessness of nature maybe a little better? One thing is for sure, I will never forget that day.

Graphic content warning!

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