The packs
A fight to survive mother go to war
seemed like there was a tipping point and suddenly there were 12 of them and bang – they all ran in.
“They’re real opportunists and true survivors. That was their moment. It was very sad.
“Not to want to put too much human emotion on to the dogs but they looked very traumatised. The whole pack just started walking.
“They walked through the night with their heads down and they just kept moving.
“Who knows what they sense? Maybe they do have a sense of loss and feel sad. It certainly came
AT RISK One of Tait’s puppies across that way.” Such incredible access to the animals brought extraordinary revelations about their behaviour. In one shocking scene Blacktip’s pack turn on a family of baboons, something that surprised the crew.
Nick says: “All the research says painted wolves don’t hunt baboons because they’re too dangerous.
“A big male can weigh twice what a painted wolf weighs. But Blacktip’s pack had grown strong in numbers and we saw them learning to take on baboons. It is amazing.” Blacktip’s pursuit of her mother will lead her pack into terrible danger because at only 25kg, they’re at the mercy of much larger predators, such as lions, hyenas and crocodiles.
■ Dynasties, tomorrow, 8pm, BBC One