Introduction The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is an extremely endangered species. Its existence is threatened by human influence and diseases. Because of lack of game, the dogs have to follow livestock to stay alive. As a consequence they are poisoned. Getting close to human settlements means regular contact with domesticated dogs. The African Wild Dog is extremely susceptible to diseases transmitted by the domesticated dog, like distemper, rabies and parvo. Many wild dogs die as a result of infection with these viruses. The George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust decided to assist with the future of the African Wild Dog in Tanzania. For this purpose pups were caught in a non protected area (Masaai Steppe), which meant no dogs were taken from the already very low numbers in protected areas. At the same time they were saved from a certain death (poisoning). It is the intention that the dogs will breed in the future and the off-spring will be reintroduced in the wild.