This past week two female wild dogs were relocated from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa to a temporary boma in UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve. These two females had dispersed from their original pack and were spending time in one of the surrounding community areas, which is dangerous for both the wild dogs and the human communities they infiltrate. It could also be problematic for the reserve should they return to the park carrying domestic animal diseases such as canine distemper. Thus they will be held in a boma at UmPhafa until we are able to find a permanent home for them.This relocation was once again a great collaboration.Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife honarary officer vet Dr Jaques Flamand and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife head vet Dr David Cooper were on hand to dart and monitor the wild dogs while they were sedated. Also on hand to ensure that the operation went off without a hitch was Wildlife ACT Fund’sChris Kelly, Wildlife ACT’s Antoine Marchal, David Marneweck of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Priority Species Monitor Zama Zwane. This amazing team carried out the operation seamlessly, with the wild dogs experiencing as little stress as possible from beginning to end.[caption id="attachment_8037" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Dr Jaques Flamand wearing a ghillie suit in order to dart the wild dogs[/caption][caption id="attachment_8036" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Zama Zwane watching over one of the wild dogs[/caption][caption id="attachment_8038" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
David Marneweck placing a wild dog in its transport crate[/caption][caption id="attachment_8040" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
A wild dog in her transport crate[/caption][caption id="attachment_8039" align="aligncenter" width="3264"]
Wild dogs on their way to UmPhafa[/caption]The relocation was a great success and the wild dogs have settled well in the temporary home. Stay tuned for updates on these two wild dogs and the search for their new home.We would like to say a big thank you to UmPhafa and Colchester Zoo for allowing us to use their boma and for all their support during this operation.
