Keepers hail 'landmark' birth of bush dog pups

The bush dog pups were born on 5 July at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Zoo keepers are celebrating the arrival of a litter of bush dog pups.

The four pups, who have yet to be named, were born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in July to proud parents Belle and Gaston.

The youngsters initially remained in their den, but staff at the park near Doncaster said they had now bonded with the rest of their pack and were busy exploring the enclosure.

Bush dogs, which are native to South America, are listed as "near threatened", so the wildlife park hailed the birth as a "conservation landmark".

Belle, five, and Gaston, two, were introduced at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last November and "quickly bonded".

"On 5 July, rangers reported that Belle had given birth to a litter of puppies overnight,” said Dr Charlotte McDonald, animal director at the park.

The pups have started exploring their enclosure and bonding with the pack

"The pups stayed safely tucked away in the den for weeks and Gaston and Belle have done an amazing job of caring for them.

"Belle spent most of her time in the den, while Gaston could be seen guarding the entrance."

Now, the two male and two female pups are exploring their surroundings and interacting with others.

"They are becoming bolder and bolder – much to the delight of visitors," Dr McDonald added.

Bush dogs are "near threatened" due to their "rapidly dwindling" numbers, experts say

Bush dogs live in family groups of up to 12 and build strong bonds, according to staff.

They sleep close to each other, hunt together and feed without squabbling.

But their numbers are "rapidly dwindling", despite not yet being endangered.

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