KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eleven endangered African painted dog pups were born at Zoo Knoxville on Jan. 2.
The zoo says the pups are currently being monitored by video camera in their den and appear to be healthy and thriving. This is the second litter for mom, Swiss and dad, Puzzle.
Zoo Knoxville is one of 34 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) working to save their species as part of the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan, a collaborative effort that works on a national level to maintain a healthy genetic population.
African painted dogs are endangered, with only an estimated 6,600 remaining in the wild in Africa, according to a release from the zoo. There are around 160 painted dogs in accredited U.S. zoos.
The release also said their numbers continue to decline as a result of fragmentation of their habitat, conflict with humans and infectious disease.
“The work being done to save animals in AZA-accredited zoos is one of the largest conservation initiatives on the planet,” says Lisa New, President and CEO. “These painted dog pups, born here in Knoxville, are part of a bigger picture and we are proud to be a part of the future for this species. Their arrival is also a testament to the care and expertise of our staff.”
The zoo said the pups are expected to begin venturing out of their den when they are about a month old.
Their arrival brings the total number of African painted dogs to 18 at Zoo Knoxville.