On Friday 6th February Colchester Zoo welcomed a new pack of African hunting dogs!

Friday morning saw the arrival of six young male dogs from Boras Zoo in Sweden. They are all siblings born between 2012 and 2013! 

The boys have moved into the same enclosure that used to house our female hunting dog Pirate who has recently relocated back to Port Lympne Zoo in Kent. She was born at Port Lympne Zoo so it’s a return home for her!

One by one the dogs were carefully released into their new home by their keepers, who were extremely excited to see the pack make themselves at home. As the boys entered, they greeted one another with excitement! It didn’t take long for the new arrivals to pluck up the courage to explore their outdoor area staying close to one another as they took in their new surroundings.

The African hunting dog is also known as the painted dog with each individual having its own unique pattern except for the white tip to their tail and black muzzle. The species also has rather large ears, which give them exceptionally good hearing and also helps to keep them cool in warmer climates.

Packs such as ours are known for being extremely social. They use team work as well as their ability to run around 40 miles an hour to chase down their prey. 

Sadly in the wild African hunting dog numbers are falling and they are currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. They are one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores; there are less than 5000 remaining in the wild.

You can see this energetic pack in the African hunting dog enclosure, opposite our Komodo Dragons.