Rolling Hills Zoo Welcomes JP, a New Male African Painted Dog, to the Pack

Rolling Hills Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of JP, a four-year-old male African painted dog, who has recently joined the zoo's resident females, Lala and Raina. This exciting addition underscores the zoo's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

JP, who weighs 73 pounds, is slightly younger but noticeably larger than his new companions. "He is quite a bit larger than the girls, and his coloring is very distinctive," said Devney Bowen, Head Keeper at Rolling Hills Zoo. "The girls’ coloration is more muted, and his coloration is quite vibrant."

Transferred from ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, JP completed a 30-day quarantine before being introduced to Lala and Raina. His integration into the pack has been smooth, with JP quickly assuming the role of alpha male, while Lala has taken on the role of alpha female. "This is what we expected based on past group behavior and dynamics, but it was nice to see them quickly settle into their roles," Bowen commented. "We will continue to watch and monitor these dynamics as time progresses."

JP is trained to participate in his own healthcare, performing behaviors that assist in his overall care. He also enjoys enrichment activities such as foraging, and food and scent enrichment.

African painted dogs, known for their strong social structure and teamwork, typically live in packs ranging from 10 to 40 individuals. Only the alpha male and female breed within the pack, reinforcing their social hierarchy. These animals are known for their advanced communication skills and remarkable hunting success, achieving 60-90% success rates compared to 25-30% for lions and hyenas.

Despite their cooperative nature and survival instincts, African painted dogs face significant threats in the wild, including habitat fragmentation, viral diseases, and competition with larger predators like lions. With only around 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in southern and East Africa, conservation efforts are critical.

Rolling Hills Zoo is dedicated to inspiring people to conserve and protect our natural world. JP’s arrival is a testament to the zoo's ongoing dedication to animal welfare, conservation, and education. Visitors are encouraged to come and learn more about these remarkable animals and the crucial conservation efforts needed to ensure their survival.