This warthog apparently did not succeed in taking a leisurely bath in the lodge’s pond. This becomes somewhat graphic.
Rudi Venter, a private safari guide, told Latestsightings.com about his career: “As a private and independent safari guide, I primarily work for myself.
I proposed to my guests that we spend the afternoon with the pack in the hopes that they will get active and go out hunting because I had heard that the wild dogs were resting in front of the lodge’s waterhole for the day. The wild dogs were active and their enthusiasm levels skyrocketed as the temperature began to drop. The wild dogs went back to lying down just as we were getting ready to take action.
“It was still too hot, so we assumed they would rest some more. However, what we failed to notice was that two warthogs were making their way to the waterhole to drink. The wild dogs fell silent at that point and kept their ears to the ground, watching for the warthogs to approach. One of them stood out to me as being somewhat smaller, and I assumed that the wild dogs would pursue him because it would make for an easier hunt. The warthogs drew nearer and nearer as we sat silently.
“They were aware of the wild dogs as they approached the waterhole’s edge, but it was too late; the wild dogs leapt up and surrounded the juvenile warthog, allowing the larger one to flee. To protect itself, the warthog dove into the water, but this was ineffective. The warthog was captured by the wild dogs and dragged out of the water, where the older dogs passed it to the younger ones so they could practice their abilities and the warthog met its demise as the pack shared a meal.
Mother nature was acting out in front of us in her most authentic way. Something that does not occur every day but nevertheless completes the circle in nature. A glimpse like that can be quite distressing to witness, especially for individuals who are sensitive to killings.
“I am fortunate to spend a lot of time in nature as a guide, and I have seen these occurrences previously. I also love wild canines, so when I can, I spend time with packs. Knowing what can occur when they hunt, I always prepare my guests and describe the hunt and that it might be difficult to watch the kill.