As part of an Australasian breeding program for endangered species, Perth Zoo is raising a new litter of nine African Painted Dog pups.
Born six weeks ago, it is the largest litter born at Perth Zoo since 2005. The pups had their first health check last week: a team of veterinarians weighed them after a general checkup, and implanted a microchip in each of them.
Senior veterinarian Simone Vitali said all were in fine health. “We are extremely pleased to see the pups out of the den and the males cooperating with the care of the young,” Dr Vitali said.
Once they are old enough, the dogs will be sent to Australasian zoos to help facilitate breeding programs.