It is always a special sighting to come across a pack of African wild dog (or painted dog) while on safari. They are very efficient hunters, have incredible speed and work as a pack - something I have been fortunate to witness once. Their beautiful individual markings and strong family bonds are very noticeable. However they are highly endangered carnivores with man representing their greatest threat, often with road kills, traps and snares.
I recently booked tickets to a very interesting and informative fund raising event in Perth hosted by John and Angela Lemon who established Painted Dog Conservation Incorporated in 2003. This is a non-profit organisation who provide support for projects in Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia) actively conserving the African wild dog. Please have a look at their website www.painteddogconservation.iinet.net.au which has lots of information and any donations or memberships can by made directly there.
The guest speaker for the evening was Kevin Richardson (fondly known as The Lion Whisperer) from South Africa who discussed his life with lions and the distressing canned lion hunting situation. For further information please view his website www.lionwhisperer.co.za
Following a delicious dinner, many framed paintings and photographs, plus various artifacts were auctioned to raise much needed funds. I am very happy with my wire elephant made from snares found in the bush.
An added bonus for me was catching up with my friend Simon Reeve (MC for the evening) who lived in Maun, Botswana for a few years with his lovely family.
