Recently, three critically endangered, painted wild dog puppies were killed by speeding vehicles near Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
The bewildered pups were trying to cross the busy, unlit, unfenced roadway that separates parts of Hwange when tragedy struck. Without any road sense, they became tiny, heartbreaking victims of drivers unaware of the danger because there are no warning signs.
Traffic calming measures are PROVEN to work. Help us raise $30,000 (£22,000) to install them as soon as possible.
Also known as ‘painted dogs’ because of their patterned coats, African wild dogs are teetering on the edge of extinction.
For years, they have battled shrinking habitats, cruel snares and poaching. Those caught in snares die slow, excruciating deaths over days or weeks. Now, as the species battles to survive, it is being wiped out by speeding cars because motorists don’t even know they’re there.
With your compassionate support today, we will help our partner, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), to install traffic calming measures, including reflective signs and speed bumps in wildlife-rich areas.
Snares, poaching, shrinking habitats — and now speeding cars. Wild dogs are fighting on every front. Source: Painted Dog Conservation
African wild dogs are teetering on extinction . Every death damages the species’ chance of recovery.
Wild dogs grieve their dead, and our hearts break at the thought of mothers mourning their infants.
A grieving wild dog may return to the site of a deceased companion for days, vocalize with mournful howls and show signs of depression – such as lowering their tails and heads – after a close pack member dies.
Wild dogs like these face many threats — but road kill is one of the most preventable. Slowing down in wildlife areas could save their lives. Source: Painted Dog Conservation
The thought of these sentient beings mourning breaks our hearts – and the idea of them being wiped out forever is unconscionable. As caring custodians of our planet’s wildlife, we must do everything we can to help.
Road signs and speed bumps are a basic safety measure, but the Zimbabwe economy is in tatters and this is a very low priority in the national park. But we know it is not a low priority for our supporters.
Please donate today and help us protect the lives of helpless wild dogs and the future of the entire species.
