Media release

Pups delight Hamilton Zoo staff

Posted On: Monday, 21 June 2004

Hamilton Zoo is celebrating the successful birth of a litter of African Hunting Dogs.

Keeper Mark Menzies says it is a significant achievement as the dogs have been here only a year, and this is mother Zuri's first litter.

"Zuri is such a good mother and very relaxed for her first time. Watching the male dogs Hosani and Rafiki greeting the pups with such enthusiasm as they would in the wild is a good indication as to how contented the dogs are. Cooperative parental care for wild dog pups is one of the most fascinating aspects of the natural behaviour of wild dogs, and we are really appreciating this first hand display."

Administration manager Jill Prew says the zoo team is very excited about the 18 May birth.

"It's very hard having to stand back and simply wait to see how nature will turn out, but we are delighted that Zuri, Hosani and Rafiki have proved to be a good nurturing pack. Bearing a litter to full term is one thing, but actually nurturing them successfully is something else altogether, particularly as they have had no experience.

"The pups are only about four weeks old so Zuri is starting to take them outside of the den. They are very appealing. If you want a good chance to see them though, wait for a nice, sunny day as mum will protect them from rain, wind and cold while they are still so young."

Pup development: eyes open two weeks, venture out of dens 3-4 weeks, black and white coat changes to adult tri-colour pattern 7-8 weeks, fully weaned 10-12 weeks, spend more time out of den with adults 12 weeks.

All three dogs are just over two years old, and were imported from South Africa, directly to Hamilton Zoo on 10 July last year.