The transition from pup to yearling is a critical stage in the life of an African painted dog. As yearlings begin travelling greater distances with their pack, they become increasingly exposed to threats including snares, roads, habitat fragmentation and disease. Reducing these threats is essential to improving survival and securing the future of this Endangered species. Pictured is Nqobile, a yearling from the Acacia Pack's 2025 litter in Mana Pools. Photo credit: Linity Magondo #painteddogconservation #africanpainteddog #EndangeredSpecies #protectthepainteddog #ConservationInAction #manapools #Zimbabwe

Conservation education continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Learners from Dopota and Main Camp Primary Schools, both schools participate in Painted Dog Conservation’s education programme, recently took part in the Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ) Matabeleland Regional Conservation Quiz, held at Petra College Junior in Bulawayo. The competition brought together 16 schools from across the region, with learners demonstrating their knowledge, passion and commitment to wildlife and environmental conservation. We are proud to celebrate Dopota Primary School, who emerged as winners of the regional competition and will now represent the Matabeleland Region at the WEZ National Conservation Quiz competitions in the third term of 2026. Main Camp Primary School also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing in third place. Through the Wilton Nsimango Children’s Bush Camp and our conservation education programme, we continue to create opportunities for young people to engage with conservation, build confidence and develop into future environmental stewards. A special thank you to our partners @gwangoafrica for once again supporting this important initiative through Gwango Tamarillo Estate, which provided accommodation and hospitality for the learners and accompanying team during their time in Bulawayo. This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration in conservation education — when schools, communities and partners work together, we create opportunities for young conservation champions to thrive. Photo credit: Wilton Nsimango #painteddogconservation #conservationeducation #wildlifeandenvironmentzimbabwe #wez #youthinconservation #ConservationLeadership

Conservation is strengthened by the people behind it. Protecting painted dogs depends not only on research and field operations, but also on building the skills and knowledge needed to sustain conservation into the future. By sharing practical wildlife monitoring techniques with community volunteers, we are strengthening local conservation capacity and reinforcing a collaborative approach to protecting wildlife. Strong conservation is built on partnerships, shared knowledge and people committed to making a difference. #painteddogconservation #capacitybuilding #communityconservation #research #wildlifeconservation #ConservationLeadership

Protecting painted dogs is a commitment that requires dedication, collaboration and people willing to stand up for wildlife every day. Behind every monitored movement, every patrol and every conservation decision are teams working together to protect the Umkhonto pack and safeguard the future of one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. Conservation happens on the ground — through teamwork, persistence and a shared responsibility to protect wildlife for generations to come. Every signal matters. Every effort counts. #painteddogs #africanwilddog #wildlifeconservation #Zimbabwe #ConservationInAction

Conservation is strengthened through collaboration. Painted Dog Conservation was pleased to join @lessons.in.conservation as they engaged young learners in an inspiring conservation education session. By creating opportunities for environmental learning, initiatives like these help foster a deeper understanding of wildlife, healthy ecosystems, and the importance of conserving them for future generations. Together, we can inspire informed, engaged communities that will shape the future of conservation. #painteddogconservation #LessonsinConservation #conservationeducation #environmentaleducation #YouthInConservation #wildlifeconservation #Zimbabwe

Rose of the Acacia Pack along the Cheruwe Riverbed in Mana Pools National Park. Painted dogs remain one of Africa’s most threatened carnivores, with survival dependent on protected landscapes and ongoing conservation work across their range. Photo: Linity Makondo #painteddogs #manapools #wildlifeconservation #Zimbabwe #africanwilddog #conservationphotography

As we approach the fire season, our Maintenance team led by Doubt Nkomo is establishing fireguards to help reduce the risk and impact of uncontrolled wildfires. Often overlooked, fireguards are among the most important tools for keeping ecosystems safe, protecting wildlife habitats, and safeguarding critical conservation areas during the dry season. Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife. It is also about protecting the landscapes they depend on. #ConservationInAction #firemanagement #WildfirePrevention #HabitatProtection #painteddogconservation #Zimbabwe

Conservation is strongest when communities, schools, and partners work together. Through conservation education and community engagement, we continue to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. #conservationeducation #treeplanting #EnvironmentalStewardship #youthinconservation #communityconservation #painteddogconservation

Every denning season brings hope. It also brings immense responsibility. Despite months of carefully encouraging the Umkhonto pack towards safer denning areas, they have once again chosen one of the most dangerous places to raise their pups. Their den sits in an area where wire snares and vehicle collisions pose constant threats. We can’t choose where painted dogs den, but we can choose how we respond. So our teams are there. Every hour. Every day. Nine protection bases have been established around the den site, with dedicated staff working around the clock. When the pack leaves to hunt, our teams help them cross the busy road safely before guiding them back to the den. At the same time, our anti-poaching units systematically search every metre of the surrounding bush, removing wire snares from both the denning area and the pack’s hunting grounds. It is demanding work. It is exhausting. And it is absolutely necessary. These pups represent the future of one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. Giving them the best possible chance of survival is why we exist. This is conservation. This is what we do. #painteddogs #ConservationInAction #denningseason #wildlifeprotection #savingspecies #wildlifeconservation

This World Female Ranger Week, we recognise the women whose dedication and leadership strengthen conservation efforts every day. From protecting wildlife and safeguarding habitats to supporting coexistence between people and nature, female rangers play a vital role in securing the future of our natural heritage. We thank them for their commitment to conservation and the lasting impact of their work. #worldfemalerangerweek #femalerangers #WomenInConservation #WildlifeProtection #painteddogconservation #Zimbabwe

Adventure with a Purpose! As Adam and Jill Schulman (@thebosbefoks) prepare to embark on their exciting Africa Rally (@africarally) expedition, we’d like to wish them safe travels and thank them for choosing to support Painted Dog Conservation along the way. We are truly grateful to be part of their journey. Their support will help us continue protecting painted dogs, safeguarding habitats, and working with local communities to create a future where wildlife and people can coexist. We encourage you to follow Adam and Jill’s journey, cheer them on as they travel across Africa, and join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure, conservation, and making a difference. If you’d like to support their fundraising efforts, you can donate here: https://www.givengain.com/project/adam-and-jill-raising-funds-for-painted-dog-conservation-125189 or follow the link on @thebosbekfoks bio. Adam and Jill, thank you for taking Painted Dog Conservation along for the ride. We can’t wait to follow your adventure and share in the memories you’ll create along the way. #AfricaRally #AdventureForACause #PaintedDogConservation #ConservationInAction #PaintedDogs #WildlifeConservation #FollowTheJourney #SupportConservation

Reckless driving witnessed this morning. A bus belonging to Stallion Cruise⁠ (No. 79), travelling towards Victoria Falls, overtook four Painted Dog Conservation vehicles displaying hazard lights shortly after Gwayi Bridge. The area is clearly marked with multiple wildlife warning signs, yet the driver overtook on a blind rise. This kind of driving puts passengers, other road users and wildlife at unnecessary risk. We urge all drivers travelling through wildlife areas to slow down, obey road rules and remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly. #SaveThePaintedDog #DriveToArrive

Conservation leadership starts with learning. Today, we facilitated the Makwandara Secondary School Conservation Club educational visit @kakoriconservation , where students explored practical conservation approaches and gained insights into environmental stewardship. As our Conservation Education Programme expands its engagement with local secondary schools, we continue to inspire and equip the next generation of conservation leaders. #painteddogconservation #conservationeducation #YouthInConservation #FutureConservationLeaders Photo Credit: @survivor_nyasulu

Building Future Conservation Stewards At the Gwayi Uncommon Innovation Hub, our Community Liaison and Anti-Poaching teams engaged local learners in a discussion on conservation, coexistence, and the role young people can play in protecting wildlife. As a key landscape for Painted Dog Conservation's work, Gwayi remains an important area for strengthening community awareness and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for wildlife and natural resources. Conservation is most effective when communities are informed, involved, and empowered. By engaging young people today, we are helping nurture the knowledge, values, and stewardship needed to support conservation into the future. #painteddogconservation #conservationeducation #communityconservation #YouthEngagement #wildlifeconservation #ConservationLeadership #Zimbabwe #FutureConservationists

A steel wire snare. A deep, infected wound. An endangered life hanging in the balance. When news reached us of a painted dog carrying a snare around its neck in Nehimba, our team sprang into action alongside the Zimparks veterinary team. Guided by the expert tracking skills of Washington Moyo, we located the male from the Cave pack, darted him, removed the steel wire and treated the nasty wound before safely reversing the anaesthetic and reuniting him with his pack. Wishing him a speedy recovery! This is why we do what we do. Every intervention matters. Every life saved strengthens the future of this endangered species. But this rescue is also a stark reminder: poaching remains one of the greatest threats to painted dog survival. Our interventions save lives. Your support makes them possible. #SaveThePaintedDog

Every conservation success story begins with people. Yesterday, Painted Dog Conservation joined fellow stakeholders at the Riding for Conservation and Textbook Initiative, where learners from communities neighbouring Hwange National Park received bicycles and textbooks through a partnership between @zimparks and @ifawglobal . For many learners, access to a bicycle means a safer journey to school, less time spent travelling long distances, and more time focused on learning. Supporting education helps create opportunities for young people while strengthening the connection between communities and conservation. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for building a future where people and wildlife can thrive together. Today's learners are tomorrow's conservation leaders, environmental stewards, and champions for coexistence. #painteddogconservation #ridingforconservation #conservationeducation #FutureConservationists #humanwildlifecoexistence #wildlifeconservation #Zimbabwe #ifaw #zimparks #environmentaleducation #ConservationLeadership Photo Credit: @survivor_nyasulu

Recently sighted near the Shumba airstrip, the Khumbula Pack continues to move through a landscape shaped by both wildlife and people. For painted dogs, the ability to navigate these connected spaces is critical to their long-term survival. #painteddogs #africanwilddog #khumbulapack #HwangeNationalPark #zimbabwewildlife #wildlifeconservation #coexistence #connectedlandscapes #painteddogconservation Video Credit: @proguiderob

Every signal tells a story. By tracking painted dog movements in the field, our research team gathers critical data that helps us better understand pack dynamics, monitor populations, and inform conservation action across the landscape. This work provides the insights needed to guide conservation decisions and support the long-term protection of this endangered species. #painteddogconservation #africanwilddog #painteddogs #WildlifeResearch #conservationscience #wildlifemonitoring #endangeredspecies #ConservationInAction #hwange #zimbabwe Photo Credit: @survivor_nyasulu

On World Environment Day, we reflect on the power of education in shaping the future of conservation. Godfrey Phiri, Education and Programmes Manager at Painted Dog Conservation, highlights the role of the Wilton Nsimango Children’s Bush Camp in inspiring young learners to understand and protect nature. Through immersive experiences in the wild, we are nurturing the next generation of conservation stewards. #WorldEnvironmentDay #painteddogconservation #conservationeducation #wildlifeconservation #natureconservation

Winter mornings. Open books. Curious minds. Around the campfire at the Wilton Nsimango Children's Bush Camp, young learners engage with conservation lessons in one of the world's greatest classrooms—the natural world itself. Because inspiring the next generation of conservationists starts with creating meaningful connections to nature. #painteddogconservation #conservationeducation #FutureConservationists #NatureConnection #learninginnature #Zimbabwe Photo Credit: @survivor_nyasulu

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