Wild Dog Pups

Perhaps the highlight of my recent Africa adventure was an encounter with 14 African wild dogs. This is the continent's second most-endangered major predator (after the Ethiopian wolf), and in the greater Kruger area--approximately the size of New Jersey--there are only an estimated 220 of them.

In this case, we had five adults and nine pups. When we arrived, the pack was scattered about, napping. The youngsters were fairly restless, with individuals getting up occasionally, changing positions and exploring a bit before flopping back down with their siblings.

Eventually, the adults roused themselves for the afternoon hunt, a moment when the entire pack goes into a frenzy, sort of pumping themselves up before they head out. It was quite a spectacle, and I hope to share a few more images from that party later.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4x
ISO 400
1/640th
f/8

Max