African painted dogs debut at Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo announced the debut of its newest residents of the African Plains: African Painted Dogs.

This highly endangered species is one of many new animals to be introduced at the Tulsa Zoo in 2013. Recently, three one-year-old female African Painted Dogs, Shiyane, Kasama and Nyika, arrived at the Tulsa Zoo from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas after a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan®, which manages births and placement of African Painted Dogs in all AZA-accredited North American zoos.

African Painted Dogs are part of the zoo’s 20-year Master Plan, as they promote a vital conservation message for a highly endangered species. The animals were incorporated into the Tulsa Zoo’s long-range Master Plan with the plan of one day breeding to assist in conserving the animals.

“We are pleased to add this unique species to the zoo and contribute toward the long-term conservation efforts for this critically endangered carnivore,” said Terrie Correll, CEO of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.

The African Painted Dog exhibit underwent extensive construction for the arrival of the new animals. The exhibit features a large, lush yard, a pond and a large glass viewing window so guests can see the dogs up-close.