News Updates
25 Years and Counting...
It seems incredible to think that I’ve been committed to creating an environment where painted dogs can thrive for 25 years now….and counting. I first came out to Zimbabwe in 1997 to see what Greg Rasmussen and his then Painted (Hunting) Dog Research Project were doing. It was the proverbial one-man-band or put another way one man and his dog(s).
Peter Blinston - Executive Director, Painted Dog Conservation
It seems incredible to think that I’ve been committed to creating an environment where painted dogs can thrive for 25 years now….and counting.
I first came out to Zimbabwe in 1997 to see what Greg Rasmussen and his then Painted (Hunting) Dog Research Project were doing. It was the proverbial one-man-band or put another way one man and his dog(s).
I had actually met Greg in Falmouth in January 1997, but the beginning of the journey goes back to June 1996 when I read an article in the Royal Geographical Magazine. The article gave me David Shepherd Foundation as a contact and Mel Shepherd gave me a fax number in Zimbabwe. I guess the rest is history!
Since then I have maintained a single focus to build a robust organisation that is equipped to tackle the multiple challenges of front line conservation.
Chief Nelukoba-Dingani
Key to that has been developing a strong working relationship with our local Chief, Chief Nelukoba, who I first met in 1998. And he has been a resolute spokesperson ever since.
At this stage, I was already talking of the need to create structure and met with lawyer Kevin Arnott in Harare to discuss the options. Soon after that I met Jerry Gotora at a Wildlife Society AGM in Kwekwe and told Greg that Jerry needs to be our Chairman. Happily, Jerry agreed and like Chief Nelukoba he has been a combination of rock and guiding hand on our Board ever since, A Board that has necessarily evolved to also comprise Everisto Marowanyanga as Secretary, Moyra Thain as Treasurer and Chief Nekatambe.
Jealous has been another ever-present and he is also closing in on 25 years and counting…. I remember meeting him for the first time in May 1998, he was cutting the grass at the house we rented. I went into the field with Greg, where we cut or rather attempted to cut a pathway to the den of a painted dog pack. In the evening I was nursing my tattered, blistered, thorn torn hands. In the morning I told Jealous to join us because I knew for sure that he would be better at wielding an axe than me.
Peter Blinston and Senior Tracker Jealous Mpofu in Mana Pools
It was the start of a friendship and trust that has also stood the test of time and a day in the field with him, tracking dogs is a privilege.
The threats to the painted dogs are many. Loss of quality habitat sums it up but it is way more complex than that.
Talk of elephant populations and poaching dominates the landscape. Hwange National Park, where I live, is home to an estimated 40,000 elephants and 200 painted wolves. It is obvious to me which species will win the race to extinction. A race no species wants to be in let alone win.
Peter Blinston darting a painted dog
Immediate action is required as well as a long term strategic approach. I believe that the individual is the key. Changing an individual’s life, be it an individual painted dog or a person can and does make a difference. A life-changing difference. And it’s done, one day at a time, one life at a time. There is no quick fix. There is no simple answer or remedy to saving an endangered species.
I have been challenged physically and emotionally, so many times in the past years. On more occasions than I care to remember I have found myself asking just how much I have to give. Knowing that the answer is always more, more, more.
Peter Blinston, Tracker Washington Moyo and Sam Blinston collaring a painted dog
Even after all the literal, sweat blood and tears that have flown in the past 25 years, I know that the future is still no more certain or secure than it was twenty years ago.
I remain as committed as ever, to building a team, equipped physically and mentally to take on the challenges that lie ahead. The team are all local people, literally, the majority of the 66 staff are from the local villages that surround us. Their development is key to creating the capacity and robustness needed so that Painted Dog Conservation endures as an organisation beyond any one individual
Peter Blinston and Painted Dog Conservation Operations Manager David Kuvawoga
The hill is steep, some say it’s too steep to climb, but I say climb it in your own way. Above all, be determined to reach the top.
Such is life on the front line of conservation, where the future is so uncertain.
PDC 2021 Annual Report
After battling through COVID-19 in 2020, we started 2021 with our usual mix of determination and optimism or put another way “hope for the best and prepare for the worst”. Our 2021 annual update is here.
After battling through COVID-19 in 2020, we started 2021 with our usual mix of determination and optimism or put another way “hope for the best and prepare for the worst”. Our 2021 annual update is here.
End of Year Appeal: Help Us Match a US$50k Pledge
Since March 2020, all of our lives have been characterised by lockdowns and restrictions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. As you would imagine, the backlog of schools became huge and pressure to make sure all current grade six kids come to camp has mounted massively and so has the cost.
Since March 2020, all of our lives have been characterised by lockdowns and restrictions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Schools and our children's education have been impacted as much as anything else. Certainly we saw that here in Zimbabwe, with schools closing and on-line lessons being conducted by those that had the means to do so.
As a result our own operations were affected, and perhaps more than all was our flagship Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp, which had to close in March 2020 and only re-opened on the 30th August 2021.
As you would imagine, the backlog of schools became huge and pressure to make sure all current grade six kids come to camp has mounted massively and so has the cost.
Painted Dog Conservation New Facebook Page!
We have launched a new Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PDCZimbabwe!
The New Painted Dog Conservation Facebook Page
We have launched a new Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PDCZimbabwe! On the 22nd of September 2021, our old Facebook Page disappeared on Facebook with almost 40000 followers. This was one of our main communication channels with our friends, well-wishers and supporters. We formally reported the incident to Facebook via their Help and Support centre to no avail. We also tried to find friends who may have friends at Facebook to help get attention on our matter but nothing materialised and the page remains inaccessible.
The First Post On Our New Facebook Page. Please Like and Follow Our New Facebook Page
So today we are announcing a new Painted Dog Conservation official Facebook page where we will be sharing all exciting and constant updates from the field, hoping one day Facebook will bring back our page and we will be able to merge the pages together.
Please like and follow and share the page. We are counting on your support to build yet another vibrant community for painted dogs!
Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) - Third Quarter Project Update 2021
Living through the pandemic and saving painted dogs has been our goal during this difficult time. We are grateful for your unwavering support, which has enabled us to do just that.
Living through the pandemic and saving painted dogs has been our goal during this difficult time. We are grateful for your unwavering support, which has enabled us to do just that.
We are excited to report below on our successful partnership with the Mabale Community Anti-Poaching Volunteers, while the Mpindo pack has started a new chapter as the Mpindothela. Meanwhile, our Iganyana Children's Bush Camp is up and running again with a new facelift and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Challenge brought wildlife rangers and communities together. Also read about the life of Mana Pools painted dogs and our SOS for our Facebook page.