Adelaide Zoo welcomes Desert dingo pups

Adelaide Zoo has received two 10-week-old pups, believed to be Desert dingoes. The siblings (male and female) were found with six other pups by a group of schoolchildren.

Zoos SA are still uncertain as to whether the pups are pure dingoes or a hybrid and will have to wait six to eight weeks for DNA tests to confirm this. The dingo is Australia’s largest predator, believed to have arrived in Australia between 5,000 -10,000 years ago having travelled with seafarers from South East Asia.

The pups were found near the Todd River and the Telegraph Station on the northern edge of Alice Springs. Adelaide Zoo has stepped in to house the two pups while the other six are currently in the care of Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.

Zoos SA Animal Behaviour and Creative Programs Manager, Nic Bishop advises “the arrival of dingoes at Adelaide Zoo is exciting for so many reasons.

“The dingo is a very special species that is under threat. The opportunity to house the puppies will allow us to better understand the dingoes’ needs as well as educate people about its plight and the important role they play in the Australian eco-system.

“The dingo has suffered from a poor PR image and public perception and we hope that we can help with that. The reality is that the dingo is well suited to the challenges of the Australian landscape.

“I love all animals but I must say these two puppies have already stolen a bit of our hearts. They are playful and very high-spirited – just as dingoes should be. What we know so far, is that they are very vigilant about the environment, curious and investigative and, when they play with each other they are hardcore in their approach.

“While in their 30-day quarantine, a roster of dedicated keepers will look after the pups and use it as an opportunity to get to know the puppies and understand their needs.

“We will update the public with the dingoes' goings on via our social media channels in the form of a Dingo Diary.”

There are three variants of dingoes in existence in the wild: the Alpine (Great Dividing Range), Forest (tropical areas such as Fraser Island) and Desert dingo (wide distribution around arid regions).

Desert dingoes are of a leaner build, have a shorter coat and whippet-like tails. They are known to be excellent long distance hunters with the stamina to run down their prey.

Zoos SA is a conservation charity that operates Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.