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Location:

Africa Trail - next to Cheetahs

African Painted Dogs

  • Pepper (F) 11/17/2016

  • Ginger (F) 11/17/2016

  • Nutmeg (F) 11/17/2016

Identifying Features:

  • Pepper: Four black spots on left side of chest

  • Ginger: Thin black ring, large white area at end of tail

  • Nutmeg: Black spot with tan center like a rosette on left chest

History:

Born at Oklahoma Zoo and brought to Phoenix in October 2017

More Information:

  • Food/enrichment: chunk meat, bones and rabbits. Occasionally, they will also get to do a carcass feed which is a group feed done out on exhibit with a portion of goat or horse carcass. 

  • Group feedings work to enhance their bond and mitigate aggression if they are squabbling over pack hierarchy. 

  • They are pretty easy to provide enrichment to because they are very energetic and will interact with almost anything you give them. 

  • They are very scent-oriented so we use a variety of different herbs and spices, perfumes, lures, and even condiments (ketchup, mustard), which they love to roll around in. 

  • They are typical siblings in that they can have three identical things and still prefer to fight over the same one, but again this enhances their bond and helps them work out their pack dynamic.

  • IUCN: Endangered

  • Also known as Cape Hunting Dogs or African Wild Dogs. Sometimes called Painted Wolf, although they are NOT wolves.

  • Pack size averages 6-30 individuals

  • Pack includes monogamous breeding pair, their young, and subordinate individuals

  • They cooperate in caring for young, as well as wounded or sick pack members

  • They feed regurgitated food to the young, wounded, and sick.

  • Disruptive coloration makes it hard for predators or prey to know how large the pack is when they're running.

  • Large ears give them excellent hearing and 'ear-conditioning'

  • Best cooperative hunters on land (70-90% success rate)

  • Unique feature is the general lack of aggression between pack members

  • Comunicate with high pitched squeeks

  • Will set up a chase with leader sending prey to area where others are hiding

  • Will eat gazelle, impala, wildebeest, small antelope

  • Can run up to 3 miles at more than 35 mph

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