​The Joburg Zoo invites visitors to enjoy a wide variety of exotic animals on display, including African Wild dogs, which are beneficiaries of the entity’s successful breeding programme for endangered species.

The municipal entity has over 320 species of animals from all over the world, which amounts to about 2 000 animals in its care. It has opened its doors even during the lockdown to educate members of the public about endangered species and animals indigenous to Africa. The Zoo aims to highlight these animals’ contributions to the ecosystem.

Maduka says this is why the Joburg Zoo is spearheading a largescale breeding programme for, among others, African Wild dogs, which are also known as “Painted wolves”.

“We realise that most people living in cities are disconnected from their natural environment. For most of these people, zoos provide the gateway for stepping into nature with other living creatures that share our planet, “says Maduka, inviting Joburgers to visit the zoo to interact with Wild dogs and other rare species of animals.

Strikingly attractive with unmistakably long legs, African Wild dogs have rounded ears, spotted coats, and large, powerful jaws. Their coat patterns are inimitable, making individual dogs easily recognisable. They play an important role in ecology as they regulate and maintain the ecosystem by hunting sick and weak animals, helping maintain the population balance and improving prey species.

Wild dogs are social animals, living in packs of between 10 individuals and up to 40 members. Their social structure is unique, and every individual knows their role. They take care of their own, including those wounded, the sick as well as their pups and turn to communicate through vocalisations by making distinct sounds within the pack. They weigh between 17 and 36kg and are found in open plains and moderately dense bush.

African Wild dogs usually feed on small prey such as hares, but they also kill big prey weighing between 120 and 140kg, such as young buffalo and eland. This dog species can reach speeds of more than 70km per hour and in the wild, their lifespan can go up to 12 years, and 15 years in captivity. They are crepuscular – resting during the day and hunting in the early morning and afternoon to early evening.

Maduka says illegal wildlife trade, the loss of natural habitats and the ongoing war between animals and human beings have critically reduced the number of these animals on the planet.

He notes that the conservation team at the Joburg Zoo is doing sterling work in helping preserve such endangered species. Maduka adds that the success of the African Wild dog breeding programme is but one of many such successful endeavours.

“This demonstrates our commitment, contribution and passion for conservation,” he says.

The Joburg Zoo boasts a population of five (5) African Wild dogs, including three (3) males and two (2) females. Visit the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s social media pages to learn more about these beautiful mammals and to get a glimpse of a series of breeding programmes for endangered species.