A Special Find

[Teton Chuck]

If you knew that this lioness was in the area, with a few of her friends, and if she could catch you she probably would kill you, how would you behave? That was the situation for a very special species.


We were watching a pride of lions when the call came in that a pack of African painted dogs had been found. (Formally called African wild dogs.) They are an endangered species and it is not often that they can be viewed. One estimate is that there are only about 6000 of them in all of Africa, and only 1400 adults. We found the pack and stayed in close proximity to them for nearly forty minutes.

[JamesScott86]

Excellent captures - well taken.

[deetheturk]

Lovely captures Chuck!

[bnnrcn]

I didn't know about African Wild Dogs, they look a bit like jackals. Thanks for sharing , very nice captures

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[John 2]

Nice images Chuck.

[IzzieK]

I have not seen any jackals or painted dogs, only a good variety of domestic ones and of course, the dingoes. These are all remarkably good shots, Chuck...

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all. Each of them have a distinct coat pattern. I'll post a couple more.

[IzzieK]

Thanks to all. Each of them have a distinct coat pattern. I'll post a couple more.

Please...I've been intrigue by your wildlife shots...'wish you have a blog instead so we can read more of your travels...and shots on where it was shot...You can easily do documentaries on them, about them...when you got time.

[Donald]

Wonderful wildlife photography, Chuck. You've really hit the button with these images.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I seriously doubt that the lions know the dogs are an endangered species so would suspect the dogs are/were on pretty high alert with the lions around.
Nice shots, thanks for sharing them with us.

[JohnRostron]

A gorgeous picture of the dog, Chuck. The background is a bit distracting, but then I am a great believer in showing it like it is and would not suggest altering it in PP.

John

[Mike Buckley]

Wonderful captures and narrative! I didn't realize the African wild dogs are so rare. That information makes me appreciate even more that we came upon a pack of about 30 of them relaxing by the side of the road after a kill.

[Krawuntzel]

Hello Chuck
a good portrait of the lioness - and a very lucky hour with the African wild dogs. I have been to sub-saharan Africa more than 20 times, and never saw one. Still hope to spot one on the next safari
Erwin

[KimC]

A special find indeed -- thank you for sharing with us!

[Teton Chuck]

Please...I've been intrigue by your wildlife shots...'wish you have a blog instead so we can read more of your travels...and shots on where it was shot...You can easily do documentaries on them, about them...when you got time.

Izzie, If you would like to see more about our trip to Africa and other adventures you can go to my Facebook accounts:
Chuck Schneebeck Photography and Chuck Schneebeck. There are more in depth explanations there. Thanks for your interest and encouragement.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all of you for the feedback. Our guides are out ever day during the season, and they said they only see the African painted dogs once of twice a year. Alan, they were on high alert. And their behavior was telling us the direction of the lions. John, I try to leave these kinds of shots as taken. I do remove dust bunnies and perhaps a leaf intruding in the side of the photo but I try to do the rest with my camera. Mike, sometimes we are lucky and don't even know it. Erwin, I hope you see the dogs on your next trip to Africa. Kim, I'm glad you are enjoying them.

[Bob Cheong]

Lovely image of the wild Chuck! Love it!