Learn more about the African Wild Dog
SAXONWOLD – Maduka said that the zoo hosts five wild dogs – three males and two females – and has successfully bred four times.
The conservation team at the Joburg Zoo is increasing the number of endangered African Wild Dogs through their successful breeding programme.
The zoo shared some information on these contributors to the African ecosystem, describing the wild dogs as social animals who live in packs of between 10 and 40 members.
They have unmistakably long legs, rounded ears, spotted coats and large, powerful jaws.
They weigh between 17 and 36kgs and are found in open plains and moderately dense bush.
According to managing director at the Joburg Zoo Bryne Maduka, these dogs help to regulate and maintain the ecosystem by hunting sick and weak animals. This helps the ecosystem to maintain balance and improve prey species.
He said that African Wild Dogs have a unique social structure with each member knowing their role and helping to take care of wounded or sick members and pups.
Known as opportunistic predators, they hunt medium-sized animals, feed on small prey such as hares and also kill larger prey such as buffalo and Eland.
Maduka said that the zoo hosts five wild dogs – three males and two females – and has successfully bred four times.
In the wild, they can live up to 12 years, and 15 years in captivity.
Maduka said that illegal wildlife trade, loss of habitat and the ongoing war between animals and humans has critically reduced the number of African Wild Dogs.
“The conservation team at the Joburg Zoo is doing sterling work in increasing endangered species numbers. The success of the African Wild Dogs breeding programme is just one of many,” said Maduka.
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