Click these links to see my Expedition
Journal,
Photos and
Video.
In February 2007 I spent 6 weeks, from late August to mid-
October, at the Painted Dog Conservation project (PDC) in Zimbabwe, tracking and sketching highly endangered African Wild Dogs (known as Painted Dogs in Zimbabwe) and learning about the educational and community aspects of the PDC project. After my return home I created a traveling exhibition and lecture series. The exhibit featured sketches from my expedition journal, completed watercolor paintings and photographs from my trip, with a percentage of sales donated to PDC. Although the Flag Expedition is complete, I continue to donate 25% of the sale price of every Painted Dog painting directly to PDC and I hope to visit PDC again in the near future.
Why did I chose to study Painted Dogs?
I chose Painted Dogs because whenever I see them they are the highlight of my trip. Many people who go to Africa for the first time don't know much about the dogs before their trip (often confusing them with hyenas or jackals) but once they have seen them they are always intrigued by this highly endangered, nomadic and social species.
The dogs are built for endurance. They are light in build, slim and have extremely long slender legs. They are beautifully and individually marked in black, tan and white with white-tipped tails, a dark muzzle, almond eyes and huge round ears. Fights within (or even between) packs are rare and they are truly one of the most sociable predators. The whole pack cares for pups once they have leave the den and they often care for sick or injured pack-mates, regurgitating food for those who cannot hunt.
