Pup of Endangered African Wild Dog Born at Oklahoma City Zoo
Two African wild dog pups made their entrance to the world on November 5 and 6, 2021. Birthed by Pelé, a three-year-old African wild dog, the newborns marked a significant milestone for the Oklahoma City Zoo.
According to Tyler Boyd, Curator of Carnivores at the zoo, these puppies are the first litter of African wild dogs born at the zoo since 2016. The African wild dog, also known as the painted dog, is listed as one of the most endangered mammals by the World Wildlife Fund.
As per the Oklahoma City Zoo, the population of this species dwindled from approximately 11,800 hounds between 2010 and 2022 to around 5,000. Boyd mentioned that the zoo has a rich history of supporting endangered species, both in zoos and in the wild.
The zoo is committed to educating its visitors about this remarkable species and its conservation through specialized programs that focus on the African painted dog. Boyd emphasized, "By supporting conservation programs that target the African painted dog specifically, we can not only heighten the awareness of our local visitors about this dynamic species, but also continue to learn more about this remarkable animal, enabling us to develop strategic plans to protect the African painted dog throughout its entire range."
The zoo shared a video on Facebook featuring Bailey and her new pups. The video showcases their time in their den, as caretakers and security personnel make sure to keep a watchful eye on the pups using video surveillance equipment. Regular observations of the pups nursing indicate that they are in good health and thriving, according to the zoo staff.
Currently, the Oklahoma City Zoo houses nine African painted dogs and has been dedicated to their conservation since 1972.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
Often, zoos like the Oklahoma City Zoo participate in broader conservation efforts for endangered species through different initiatives such as breeding programs, education and awareness campaigns, and research collaborations. These efforts aim at preserving genetic diversity, protecting habitats, and managing threats from poaching and disease. While specific details about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s conservation plans for the African painted dog were not provided in the original text, these are common practices among zoos engaged in species conservation.
References:
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (n.d.). Education. Retrieved from
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (n.d.). Species survival plans. Retrieved from
- Franklin, J. (2013). African Wild Dogs in zoos: the results of a survey. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2(1), 34–41.
- Johnson, K. S., & Ruff, D. (2009). African Wild Dogs: A Concise Guide to Their Biology and Conservation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
