African wild dog regurgitates a meal for pups

African Painted Wolf regurgitates meal for pups

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The endangered painted wolves of Africa are social animals, hunting together and communally raising pups. Early on pups are kept in the den and nursed while the rest of the pack hunts. They begin eating solid food at around three weeks of age and are fully weaned by about five weeks when they are fed regurgitated food by other pack members. By seven weeks they begin to take on an adult appearance. They abandon the den completely by around 8-10 weeks and follow the pack, although not yet participating in the hunt.

Upon the return of the pack from a successful hunt, young pups can be seen begging for food by whining, face-licking and pushing on the corner of the adult’s mouth. This triggers the regurgitation of solid chunks of meat as seen here. You can see the anticipation in the eyes of the pups as they await their meal.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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