Protecting Painted Dogs

As the year draws to a close, we are delighted to share an inspiring story of resilience and hope, one that reflects the very heart of our conservation partner’s mission.

This is the story of the Umkhonto Pack, a family of painted dogs whose journey demonstrates what your support makes possible.

Just three years ago, this pack numbered only six individuals. Today, thanks to the relentless efforts of the team on the ground, they have grown into a thriving group of 18 dogs, with ten more having dispersed, leaving 11 adults and seven pups. This presents a significant opportunity for population growth in Hwange, should those individuals establish their own packs.

When the pack denned in 2023, a critical challenge emerged: keeping them out of poaching hotspots in the Gwayi region.

More recently, this has required bold action, including moving the pack away from danger, even across the deadly Bulawayo to Victoria Falls road. To achieve this, the team installed road signs, built speed bumps, and deployed solar-powered GPS collars. The Rangers teams also actively patrolled the roads, slowing down traffic and moving the dog away.

In June, when the alpha female was heavily pregnant, the team relocated the pack 17 km to safer ground. Nature, however, had its own plan, and she returned to Gwayi to give birth. Tragically, one dog was lost to a snare within a week. The team responded immediately, creating a virtual protective perimeter, clearing snares, and reinforcing anti-poaching measures. With improved communications through Starlink, the area became a “no-go zone” for poachers, and eight healthy pups were born.

The Bush Camp education programme continues to be a cornerstone of community engagement, shaping positive attitudes towards wildlife. Since 2003, over 17,000 children have experienced this transformative programme. Today, 23 local primary schools participate in the free four-day camps, fostering a generation that values and protects nature.

The education centre, built from movable shipping containers, sends a powerful message: “If you work with us to protect the dogs, we will work with you to change your lives.”

The thriving Umkhonto Pack is more than a conservation success; it is a symbol of what we can achieve together. Every collar, every cleared snare, every child who learns the value of wildlife is possible because of donors like you. Your generosity creates an environment where painted dogs and communities alike can flourish.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are building a brighter future for painted dogs and the people who share their land.