Oregon Zoo
Painted dog Ella’s rascally pups have begun exploring outside of their den.
“Their eyes are open now, and they’re very active,” said Laura Weiner, senior keeper for the zoo’s Africa area. “Their markings are becoming more distinct too.”
The pups were born in early November and have been eating, sleeping and growing in the maternity den ever since. This litter is the first offspring for Ella and the pups’ father, Juma, and the first of this endangered species to be born at the Oregon Zoo.
According to Weiner, these pups usually wean at around 6 weeks, so it won’t be long before Ella’s litter is eating meat and interacting with the rest of the pack. African painted dogs are very social, and each has its own distinct vocalization, known as a “whoo call,” that the pack uses to communicate.
“The pups are starting to whoo call to one another when they venture out of their box,” said Weiner. “Even at this young age, they can use their call to let Ella and the rest of the pack know where they are.”
The first-time mom and her new family remain off view in a private maternity den to allow the new family a comfortable place to bond. Animal-care staff have taken a mostly hands-off approach, but are closely monitoring the litter to make sure everything is going well.
