Painted Dogs

MEET THE PACK! Our African-themed exhibit was officially opened by renowned conservationist Tony Fitzjohn OBE on 6th April 2011.

Tony works with a number of species of animal including Painted Dogs at Mkomazi Game Reserve, which Chester Zoo supports in its capacity as a conservation charity.

The African-themed exhibit is home to a pack of six dogs - five males and one female. Porcupines also have a new home there as well as Rock Hyrax. 

Painted Dogs – also known as African Hunting Dogs - are endangered in the wild and the species has been the focus of many conservation efforts.

To help mark the occasion, we held a public vote for the names of four of the five male dogs on our Facebook page. We had over 750 votes and the four chosen names are:

• Azizi – Beloved of precious one
• Badrani – Full Moon
• Diallo – Bold
• Gamba – Warrior

The fifth male dog was named Ochi by pupils at a North Wales school.