In the quiet town of Wandiligong in northeastern Victoria, Australia, a woman named Jayne Guiney experienced a bizarre incident that would lead to the remarkable discovery of a rare and endangered species—the Alpine Dingo.
Late one night, Jayne was disturbed by unusual sounds in her backyard. Upon investigation, she found a week-old puppy with numerous bleeding wounds and injured front legs. Believing the dog had been mistreated and abandoned, Jayne decided to provide it with much-needed first aid and care. Little did she know that this small, seemingly ordinary dog would turn out to be extraordinary.
Naming the puppy Wandi, Jayne’s suspicions grew as the dog’s appearance became increasingly unique. With big round eyes, fluffy fur, and distinct “white sock” legs, Wandi stood out from typical domestic dogs, prompting Jayne to question whether she had unintentionally adopted a fox.
Determined to uncover Wandi’s true identity, Jayne turned to social media, posting a photo on Facebook seeking answers. Despite receiving general comments and opinions, the mystery persisted. Seeking professional advice, Jayne consulted veterinarians at the Alpine Veterinary Hospital.
The little dog has an extremely adorable appearance. Photo: Sohu
To their surprise, the examination revealed that Wandi’s wounds were caused by eagle claws. The little dog had been caught by a wild eagle but managed to break free near Jayne’s house. Realizing Wandi was no ordinary dog, veterinarians conducted a DNA test, sending the sample to Dr. Kylie Cairns, a renowned genetics researcher at the University of New South Wales.
Wandi is now grown up and has a happy, joyful life at the reserve. Photo: Wandi_dingo
Several months later, the results confirmed Wandi’s identity as an Alpine Dingo—a rare and endangered wild animal in Australia. Dingoes, descendants of wild dogs from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, arrived in Australia around 4,000 years ago. Unlike many domesticated dogs, Dingoes retain their wild nature.
Classified as a wild animal by the Australian government, Dingoes are protected from hunting and trading, especially for export, due to their endangered status. Wandi, though not identified as a 100% purebred Dingo, belongs to an extremely rare and at-risk branch of the species.
The revelation stunned Jayne, who swiftly transferred Wandi to the Dingo Sanctuary. Veterinarians at the sanctuary were thrilled to welcome Wandi, recognizing the significance of his 100% pure genes in enhancing genetic resources for the conservation of the species.
As the story of Wandi unfolds, it sheds light on the fragile existence of the Alpine Dingo and the importance of conservation efforts. With only 40 purebred Dingoes under care in Australian conservation centers, Wandi’s unexpected journey from a backyard in Wandiligong to a sanctuary highlights the delicate balance between the wild and the human world.