One of Africa’s most misunderstood predators has been facing extinction, but thanks to passionate conservationists, African Painted Dogs are making a comeback!

To give our painted pals a paws up, we support Painted Dog Conservation Inc. to run anti-snare and anti-poaching patrols, conduct veterinary programs, and teach children in Zambia about protecting precious wildlife.

Through this work, wild painted dog numbers have soared from 2500 dogs in the wild in the 1990s, to now more than 6600!
 


In the last year alone, Painted Dog Conservation Inc., Conservation South Luangwa, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife;
  • ran 323 anti-snaring day patrols and 582 anti-poaching patrols
     
  • recovered 675 wire snares from the bush
     
  • apprehended 158 wildlife crime suspects!
     
  • rescued four elephants, two painted dogs, a baboon, a leopard, and a giraffe from illegal snares in the area.
     
  • engaged more than 1300 school children and community members in wildlife education programs, inspiring the next generation of painted dog protectors!
This important conservation work makes a HUGE difference to painted dogs, and it also protects many other species living in the South Luangwa National Park, including the largest lion population in Zambia!
 

It's important to celebrate this amazing achievement, but there's more work to do to protect our canine comrades.

These tender souls are still one of the most persecuted carnivores in Africa, but together we can support critical conservation work in the wild to ensure we never see a world without painted dogs in it.
 
Painted Dog Inc.png

Meet our African Painted Dog pack

Our painted dog pack has a safe habitat here at Perth Zoo, protected from habitat loss, snares, and poaching.

Go behind-the-scenes to experience their extraordinary behaviours and learn how our expert keepers care for this highly intelligent pack of animals. 20¢ from every $1 supports vital conservation work!

Book your Close Encounter
 

Did you know? Every African Painted Dog’s coat is as unique as a human fingerprint!