Dog Day Afternoon - Jongomero Camp

(Click on image to scroll through images)  The guests in room one had a wonderful wake up this morning.  Rather then the norm of a hot cup of coffee and buiscuits delivered to the tent they were treated to the sight of 3 wild dogs running by.  The news spread through the camp quickly.  A quick breakfast was consumed and all vehicles set off in search of these elusive rare creatures.  The wild dog, second only in rarity to the Simian Wolf of Ethiopia, less than 4000 of these wonderful animals remain.  The season has started on a high for us regarding these carnivores, sightings are sporadic at best but in our first two weeks since opening we have had 3 sighting of dog but this mornings was by far and away the best.  There were located first by our laid back guide Modestus who radioed the other vehicles immediately and the response was electric.  As the other vehicles joined the sighting the dogs were just beginning a hunt.  They tried for a Kudu but failed in this attempt, quite strange considering they are the most successful hunter in Africa with over a 90% sucess rate when hunting.  Feeling the pressure and not wanting to let their wonderful reputation slide the dogs broke off the kudu chase, changed up a gear and proceeded to down two Impalas all in sight of our gobsmacked guests.  All had a grandstand view as they watched over 9 dogs dismember and dispatch the Impalas with amazing alacrity.  One Impala was reduced to a few ribs and after bellies began to bulge and their apetites were sated the other Impala was left half eaten much to the delight of 3 Jackals which were waiting on the sidelines for a few scraps.  Christmas came early for them this year, however not for the poor Impalas.  Their sacrifice was not in vain as their contribution will help nourish and sustain our parks growing population of dogs for a few days more helping these rare animals in their difficult plight against extinction!!!  What a morning and yet another wonderful day in Africa!!