See The New Exhibit Over At The Los Angeles Zoo

NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2008

**MEDIA ADVISORY**
CONTACT: Jason Jacobs/ jason.jacobs@lacity.org (323) 644-4273

AFRICAN WILD DOGS DEBUT AT THE L. A. ZOO

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Roaming a newly renovated habitat at the Los Angeles Zoo is a pair of colorful and cunning African wild dogs. These creatures, native to the vast and beautiful sub-Saharan Africa, are making the Los Angeles Zoo their home for the first time in nearly 40 years.

This brother and sister duo has come to the L.A. Zoo courtesy of New York’s Bronx Zoo. At just over a year old, these tri-colored dogs have spent the past month or so getting use to their habitat. After having time to acclimate, they are now enjoying their surroundings; exploring, playing and delighting onlookers.

The African wild dog is an endangered species. It is estimated that the total population is fewer then 5,000 dogs. The decline of the species is the result of conflict with human activities, loss of habitat and disease such as canine distemper, rabies and anthrax. Another reason for the deterioration of the population is the increase of human inhabitants in the dogs’ native home. Normally these animals travel long distances, around 30 miles a day, to hunt for food. However, with the increase in humans, the dogs have less space to roam free and pursue their prey.

This pair of dogs is two of just under 150 African wild dogs in zoos across the United States. These dogs are part of an aggressive plan to try and preserve the species. A number of zoos, including the L.A. Zoo, are looking to help wild dog conservation efforts by participating in the Species Survival Plan Program (SSP) established in 1981 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The program tracks a species’ genetic ancestry so that appropriate mates can be found for the animal in question. For example, the L.A. Zoo has two wild dogs, but since they are brother and sister, it would be inappropriate to breed them. In the future, if the Zoo were to receive a breeding recommendation, the Zoo would work with the AZA to locate suitable mates for the dogs. A zoo that has a compatible mate would then exchange that animal with the L.A. Zoo so that the quality breeding programs could continue.

The Wild Dogs are available to the media on Friday April 11th from 9:30 A.M till 12:30 P.M. If you plan on filming these dogs please arrive early as they are most active in the morning. Park in the Zoo’s main lot and proceed to the bus circle where a cart will transport you to their habitat. To request photos or RSVP for Friday please call (323) 644-4273.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden Stae (5) freeways. The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For general information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the website at www.lazoo.org.

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“Nurturing wildlife and enriching the human experience”

Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles
California 90027
323/644-4273
Fax 323/644-4240

Homepage

John R. Lewis
Zoo Director

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