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The not-for-profit Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans operates ten parks and museums dedicated to Celebrating the Wonders of Nature. For more information about Audubon Nature Institute, its public attractions, and conservation efforts, please visit AudubonNatureInstitute.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2016
Contact: Frank Donze
Office 504-212-5335
Cell 504-232-7461

fdonze
@auduboninstitute.org
 
An Audubon Nature Institute Success Story
Endangered African Painted Dog Pups Born at Audubon Zoo

Guests Can See New Arrivals in the Near Future!

Video from Behind-the-Scenes During the Birth
(New Orleans, La.) - Marking a notable milestone, Audubon Zoo recently celebrated its first-ever births of 10 African painted dog pups, a significant development for the highly endangered species.

Born on September 11, 2016, the pups are the offspring of first-time parents: mother Sienna, 4, and father Pax, 9. Pax came to Audubon Zoo in June 2008 and Sienna arrived about 16 months ago.

Currently, the family is bonding in their indoor den before venturing outside. Guests will be able to sees the dogs roaming their habitat in the near future. Visit the Audubon Nature Institute newsroom for updates.

The "painted dog'' moniker refers to their irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white and yellow fur. Also known as African wild dogs, the animals typically can be found on the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Only a handful of accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has bred painted dogs, one of the most endangered carnivores on the African continent.


Audubon Zoo's accomplishment is important not only to the preservation of the species but also for efforts to raise public awareness about the plight of painted dogs in the wild and to garner support for conservation.

"African painted dogs are a species that continues to be persecuted by human civilization,'' said Bill Smith, Audubon Zoo curator of hoofstock. "Ranchers view them as threats to their land and livestock. Faced with the constant threats from habitat loss, poaching, snares and poisoning, the painted dog population is down to only about 5,000 in the wild.''

Conservation initiatives include educating villagers about the important role painted dogs play in maintaining the African savanna ecosystem and fitting dogs with radio collars to track movement and help anti-poaching teams protect the species.

Audubon Nature Institute has raised funds to help renowned British wildlife biologist Greg Rasmussen build a solar-powered field laboratory dedicated to painted dog research in Zimbabwe. Rasmussen, the founder and director of the Painted Dog Conservation Project who has been a guest speaker at Audubon Zoo, has studied the species for more than two decades.

Rasmussen consulted with Audubon Zoo on design changes to painted dog habitat, and based on his suggestions, a "turn'' was added to create a safer, more natural feel to the dogs' den.

Audubon Zoo plans to welcome Rasmussen back in the near future and will continue to offer financial support for his painted dog conservation efforts.

Christina Gorsuch, curator of mammals at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and a leader of efforts to increase the future sustainability of the African painted dog gene pool, called the births at Audubon Zoo a remarkable event.

"There are approximately 112 African painted dogs in 37 North American zoos which makes every birth very important,'' Gorsuch said. "Pup survival rate is about 52 percent, making it a difficult population to sustain. So the fact that Sienna had 10 pups and all 10 have survived is definitely something to celebrate.''

Gorsuch also noted that Pax, the father, is one of the most genetically valuable members of the African painted dog population under human care.

Audubon Zoo and other AZA member institutions work together to manage Species Survival Plan programs for African painted dogs and other endangered species. AZA members monitor the demographic and genetic status of endangered populations and recommend breeding pairs and transfers designed to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable population for the long-term future.

 
To learn more about African painted dog conservation, click here.
Click 
here for African painted dog facts.
Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, La., 70118.

More Audubon Nature Institute News:

Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.
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