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African Wild Dogs

Roaming a newly renovated habitat at the Los Angeles Zoo is a pair of colorful and cunning African wild dogs. These creatures, native to the vast and beautiful sub-Saharan Africa, are making the Los Angeles Zoo their home for the first time in about 40 years.

This brother and sister duo has come to the L.A. Zoo courtesy of New York’s Bronx Zoo. At just over a year old, these tri-colored dogs have spent the past month or so getting use to their habitat. When they first arrived at their new home, they were nervous by the stream that cuts through the middle of their exhibit. After having time to acclimate, they are now enjoying their surroundings; exploring, playing and delighting onlookers.

The African wild dog is an endangered species. It is estimated that the total population is fewer then 5,000 dogs. The decline of the species is the result disease such as canine distemper, rabies and anthrax. Conflict with humans and loss of habitat is also having a negative impact on the dogs’ population. These animals may travel long distances to hunt for food. However with the increase in humans, the dogs have less and less space to roam free and pursue their prey.

The dogs have two distinct times in which they will hunt, early morning and dusk. During their hunt, they work together to catch their prey by maneuvering to separate one animal from the rest of its herd. When a catch has been made, the wild dogs call over the other members of their pack. The youngest dogs eat first, then the dominant pair, the older pups, and finally the subordinate adult dogs. Designed to run fast, they have the ability to take down the quick gazelle, its favorite food item, but they will also catch warthogs, antelope, and impalas.

This pair of dogs is two of just 140 African wild dogs in zoos across the United States. These dogs are part of an aggressive plan to try and preserve the species. A variety of zoos, including the L.A. Zoo, are looking to help wild dog conservation efforts by participating in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) established in 1981 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The program keeps track of a species’ genetic ancestry so that appropriate mates can be found for the animal in question. For example, the L.A. Zoo has two wild dogs, but since they are brother and sister, it would be inappropriate to breed them. So the Zoo, in association with the AZA, will use the data on file to locate a better genetic pairing. A zoo that has a compatible mate would then exchange that animal with the L.A. Zoo so that quality breeding programs could continue.

Don’t miss these amazing animals in their new home at the L.A. Zoo!

Click here to learn more about African wild dogs.

Click here to find out how to ADOPT an African wild dog.