African Painted Dog Puppies Born at Zoo Miami!

On January 23, 2019, Zoo Miami welcomed a litter of highly endangered African painted dog puppies! The litter of five (one male and four females) was born to two-year-old mother “Little Foot” and sevenyear-old father “Evander”. This being Little Foot’s first litter, Zoo staff was very cautious in making sure she and her pups were not disturbed for the first several weeks of the puppies’ lives. They were left to properly bond together in seclusion in a den, with staff observing through cameras.

After weeks of observation, the puppies were deemed ready for their neonatal exams on March 6. The procedures included collecting blood, general physical exams, deworming treatments, and the placement of a microchip for identification.

At six weeks old, the puppies ranged in weight from six to seven and a half pounds.

Once their exams were done, the puppies, along with mom and dad, were allowed onto their exhibit for the first time! They were a bit hesitant at first, but then followed their mom out. While Evander seemed very interested in the puppies, Little Foot wasn’t keen on letting him get too close, so he observed from a distance while the new family explored their home. The puppies are expected to have limited access to their exhibit each day, under close observation, until they have learned to navigate this new space without any issues.

These are the first successful births of African painted dogs at Zoo Miami in nearly 20 years.

This is a crucial part of a planned breeding program to help ensure the survival of these highly endangered animals. With less than 6,000 left in the wild, the African painted dog is one of the most endangered carnivores on the planet.

Interested in Naming a Pup?

You can help us continue to support their care by purchasing the naming rights to one of our puppies!