Highly Endangered African Painted Dogs On Display At Tulsa Zoo

Tulsans will have the chance to see a highly endangered species at the Tulsa Zoo over spring break. Three African Painted Dogs are on display in the African Plains section of the zoo.

The zoo now has three of the examples of the breed: Shiyane, Kasama and Nyika came to Tulsa from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas after a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan that manages births and placement of African Painted Dogs in North American zoos.

African painted dogs are the second most endangered African large carnivore, primarily due to poaching by humans. There are currently 132 African painted dogs in North American zoos. There are fewer than 3,000 left in the wild. They are known for the chirping noises they make.

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The zoo hopes to one day breed the animals to increase their ranks.

"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 three one-year-old dogs can be seen up close behind a large viewing window, according to a news release.