 In August 2005, Painted Dog Conservation Inc received a letter from the South African North West Parks Board asking if we were interested in receiving a pack of dogs from Pilansberg National Park, which were ‘surplus to requirements’.
We spoke to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA), who immediately supported the proposal and issued the relevant paperwork within a week. Then we waited—and waited— for the go-ahead from South Africa.
Months went by, during which time we heard there were some suggestions in South Africa of euthanasing the ‘surplus’ pack! This strengthened our resolve and we remained determined. The translocation now became a rescue mission in our hearts and minds.
The Pilansberg management clearly wanted to find the dogs a new home in Zimbabwe and the communication channels remained open. Euthanasia was not an option to them either.
In May 2006, we finally received confirmation that the translocation had been approved and, with the paperwork sorted, Jon Keates and I set off to Zimbabwe to undertake the translocation and various other activities.Labels: African Hunting Dog, Painted Dog, Wild Dog |
