This year, leading conservationist Chester Zoo welcomed four bush dog puppies to its 130-acre zoological gardens that are home to more than 500 species. Recently, the new arrivals were given their official names, and each has been titled after a different chocolate treat.
Three weeks ago, the baby bush dogs received their initial health check that determined their sex. The result found that the new litter includes three female pups and a single male. Along with sexing the new additions, keepers at Chester checked their body condition, eyes and teeth. Each pup was weighed and given essential vaccines and ID microchips. Once fully grown, the bush dogs will still be small, with adults being between 25 to 30 cm in height.
Now named, the male pup is called Freddo, after the Cadbury’s kid’s favourite, and his sisters are Munchie, Chomp and Rolo. The birth of the bush dog babies to proud dad and mum Charlie and Molly is part of Chester Zoo’s commitment to a special conservation programme designed to breed and safeguard the future of the South American species.
Bush dogs are natives of the Amazon basin, but can also be found in other areas in South America. They typically live in social groups of up to a dozen. Classed as cooperative, bush dogs sleep close to one another, follow each other and feed without fights.
Visitors to Chester can now see the pups exploring their new habitat at the zoo based just beyond the city.