Toledo Zoo’s African Wild Dog Exhibit Reopens for Season
Toledo, OH — The Toledo Zoo is reopening its African wild dog exhibit for the 2013 season with the arrival of two female animals: 3-year-old Shahia and her 2-year-old sister, Daisy, from Pittsburgh. A breeding male is expected to arrive later this year from another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Toledo Zoo has more than 15 years’ experience working with this endangered species and provides an excellent habitat for these animals in its Africa! exhibit. These new animals replace the Zoo’s former pair of African wild dogs: a male who died at advanced age, and an older female who has been matched with a companion wild dog at another zoo. Sometimes known as the African painted dog or Cape hunting dog, the African wild dog is considered to be one of the most endangered canine species. Although once widespread in more than 30 African countries, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) estimates current wild populations at fewer than 6,600 individuals because of habitat loss, illegal hunting and disease. African wild dogs have splashy yellow, black, brown and white coloration; no two individuals have the same markings. Adults weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and stand approximately 30 inches at the shoulders. The Toledo Zoo opened its African wild dog exhibit in 1997 and is one of approximately 20 zoos in the U.S. to participate in the African wild dog Species Survival Plan (SSP) program coordinated by the AZA.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Norman
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419.385.5721 ext. 2098
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo