Return of the pack: African wild dogs’ epic journey to a new home in Malawi

In an absolute win' for the endangered species, 14 dogs were transported by road and air to a safe space' in a country they have not populated in large numbers for decades

Under cover of night, a pack of African wild dogs swarms around an impala carcass. Awake and hungry after a 27-hour transcontinental journey, this animated scene in Liwonde national park is a sign of mission accomplished": African wild dogs are back in Malawi.

The feeling is absolutely surreal and so emotional," says Cole du Plessis, coordinator of the Wild Dog Range Expansion Project, who this week oversaw the successful translocation of the 14 African wild dogs from South Africa and Mozambique to Malawi's Liwonde national park and Majete wildlife reserve. When we flew into Liwonde, on the final leg of the journey, and I saw all the vehicles waiting, I'll admit I got a bit teary. It's such an incredible feeling to finally have the dogs here safely."