African Wild Dogs are slightly less endangered now that a mated pair at Australia's Taronga Western Plains Zoo produced a litter of eleven cuddly, colorful and very hungry pups.
The Taronga Western Plains Zoo, located near Dubbo, Australia opened in 1977 and cares for approximately 4,000 animals from over 350 different species, many of which are threatened in the wild. The zoo's pack of Cape Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus pictus), also known as South African Wild Dogs, grew by eleven on October 21st of 2016 when breeding pair Kimanda (female) and Guban (male) produced their second litter of pups – their first was in 2009.
It's estimated the total wild population of African Wild Dogs stands at around 6,600 adults distributed among 39 distinct sub-populations scattered across the African continent. The IUCN lists this distinct genus of wild canids as “Endangered”, which makes the Taronga Western Plains Zoo's conservation breeding program vital for the continued existence of this once-widespread carnivore.
African Wild Dogs are highly social animals and every member of the pack is expected to contribute to its welfare. As such, the pups' older siblings bring food to the youngsters and watch out for them while their parents patrol their territory within the zoo.
“The pups have recently emerged from the den and can be spotted out and about in the exhibit,” according to Keeper Genevieve Peel, “especially in the mornings and at meal times. It's a great opportunity to see the pack rally and work together to devour their meal whilst caring for the pups' needs.”
The family that devours together, stays together? Works for us... and by the way, don't even THINK of acquiring an African Wild Dog pup as a pet - they're not called "Wild" dogs for nothing! (via WENN and WebEcoist)