Rolling Hills Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its African painted dog pack with the arrival of JP, a four-year-old male. JP joined the zoo’s resident female dogs, Lala and Raina, after being transferred from ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He completed a standard 30-day quarantine before his introduction to the pack.
JP, who weighs 73 pounds, is larger and younger than his new companions, Lala and Raina, who weigh 62 pounds and 56 pounds, respectively. According to Devney Bowen, Head Keeper at Rolling Hills Zoo, JP’s coloring is more vibrant compared to the more muted tones of the females.
The introduction process went smoothly, with JP quickly taking on the role of alpha male, while Lala assumed the position of alpha female. This behavior aligns with expectations based on observed pack dynamics in the wild.
African painted dogs are known for their complex social structures, typically living in packs of 10 to 40 individuals. Only the alpha male and female breed within the pack, a behavior that reinforces their social hierarchy.
In the wild, African painted dogs are highly efficient hunters, with a success rate of 60-90% in their hunts, compared to 25-30% for lions and hyenas. However, the species is endangered, with only around 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in southern and East Africa. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival, as the species faces threats such as habitat fragmentation, disease, and competition with larger predators.
Rolling Hills Zoo is committed to wildlife conservation and education, and JP’s arrival is part of this ongoing mission. The zoo encourages visitors to learn more about African painted dogs and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.
For more information, contact Linda Henderson, Development & Marketing Director at Rolling Hills Zoo, at 785-827-9844 or via email at linda@rollinghillszoo.org.