Zookeepers are celebrating the arrival of a litter of bush dog pups.
The four pups, yet to be named, were born in July at Yorkshire Wildlife Park to proud parents Belle and Gaston. Initially, the young pups remained in their den, but staff at the park near Doncaster reported that they have now bonded with the rest of their pack and are busy exploring their enclosure.
Bush dogs, native to South America, are listed as “near threatened,” making the birth a significant “conservation landmark” for the wildlife park.
Belle, who is five, and Gaston, two, were introduced at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last November and “quickly bonded.”
“On July 5, rangers reported that Belle had given birth to a litter of puppies overnight,” said Dr. Charlotte McDonald, the park’s animal director. “The pups stayed safely tucked away in the den for weeks, and Gaston and Belle have done an amazing job caring for them. Belle spent most of her time in the den while Gaston was often seen guarding the entrance.”
Now, the two male and two female pups are exploring their surroundings and interacting with other members of the pack.
“They are becoming bolder and bolder, much to the delight of visitors,” Dr. McDonald added. Bush dogs live in family groups of up to 12 and form strong bonds, according to the staff. They sleep close to each other, hunt together, and feed without squabbling.
However, despite not yet being classified as endangered, their numbers are “rapidly dwindling.”