The wild dog pups bounced and turned, snarling and whimpering in the play of survival.

Tlanga means “play” in Tsonga.

It was after dinner. The pups had fed well, and the adults were now finishing off the rest of the feast. Some of the pack had broken off and were loping around. With a mix of squeaks, chirps, twittering, and barks, they ran around together, each playing a part - one moment dominant, the next submissive. It was all a whirl in the darkening, coppery minutes of the remaining African sky. As one pup rolled over, the next dived over, and the others twittered in line. The game was crucial; it was a moment of reprieve from the endless hunger and hunts. It was also a time to set and learn each other's roles in the pack, a time to develop a critical sense of trust and awareness of the part each would have to play soon.

The African Wild Dog Pups at Play

Living in packs of 10 to 40 individuals, African wild dogs are led by a monogamous breeding pair, the alpha male and female, who take charge of the pack's well-being. The entire pack participates in caring for the alpha pair's pups, with older members often feeding and even rearing the young when necessary. This social species is known for its cooperative behaviour, sharing food, and assisting weaker or sick pack members.

Born into a tightly knit pack, these pups are immediately welcomed into a world of social learning and playful interactions. Play is a crucial aspect of their development, serving multiple purposes that contribute to their future as successful hunters and members of the pack. From a young age, wild dog pups engage in playful behaviour that mimics the actions of the adults around them. This play includes mock fights, chasing each other, and exploring their environment. While these activities may seem purely recreational, they serve a deeper purpose in the pups' development. Through play, the pups learn important skills such as coordination, agility, and social behaviour.

One of the key reasons why African wild dog pups play is to develop their hunting abilities. As future members of the hunting pack, it is essential for them to hone their skills from an early age. Playful interactions with their siblings and adult pack members help them learn how to stalk, chase, and capture prey. These playful activities are not just for fun; they are crucial for the pups to develop the skills they will need to survive in the wild. Play also plays a significant role in the socialisation of African wild dog pups. Within the pack, there is a strict hierarchy, with the alpha pair at the top. Through play, the pups learn their place in this hierarchy and how to interact with other pack members. They learn important social cues and behaviours that will help them navigate the complexities of pack life as they grow older.

Play also helps to strengthen bonds and serves a role in cognitive development among pack members. Wild dogs are highly social animals, and a strong bond within the pack is essential for their survival. Playful interactions between pups and adult pack members help to build trust and cooperation, which are vital when it comes to hunting and raising young. Through play, the pups learn to solve problems, adapt to new situations, and explore their environment. This cognitive stimulation is essential for their mental development and helps to prepare them for the challenges they will face as adults.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.