3 Adorable Bush Dog Puppies Were Just Born at a Zoo in Arkansas

Three adorable bush dog puppies have been welcomed into the world at an Arkansas zoo. The Little Rock Zoo recently announced the birth of three bush dog pups, with two males named Train and Bernardo, and a female named Beatriz. The zoo shared the exciting news on their Facebook page on August 5, stating that the newborns are in good health and growing quickly under the watchful care of their parents and the zoo’s animal care team. Temporary “puppy fences” have been put in place around their enclosure to ensure their safety near a moat in the area.

The litter of bush dog puppies brings a unique addition to the Little Rock Zoo, as bush dogs are small canids native to Central and South America. Despite their name, they are more closely related to maned wolves than domestic dogs. The arrival of these pups is significant as bush dogs are not commonly found in U.S. zoos, with only a handful of institutions across the country housing them, including the Little Rock Zoo. After the zoo’s last bush dog passed away in September 2024, the team immediately began working with partners in Europe to identify new animals to re-establish a breeding pair.

The proud parents of the bush dog pups, Luz and Paku, are relatively recent arrivals at the Little Rock Zoo themselves. Hailing from France, the pair was introduced to the zoo in March after months of paperwork, health certifications, permits, and international coordination. The introduction of Luz and Paku at the zoo went smoothly, with Luz bravely leading the way as they explored their new environment together. The arrival of the bush dog puppies marks an important step in the zoo’s conservation efforts and commitment to preserving endangered species.

Bush dogs are known for their close-knit pack structure and cooperative hunting skills, which allow them to take down larger prey together. These small canids are also skilled swimmers with partially webbed feet, enabling them to navigate through flooded forests and rivers. The birth of the bush dog puppies at the Little Rock Zoo is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the zoo’s staff in providing a safe and nurturing environment for these endangered animals. The zoo continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation and education, ensuring a sustainable future for all species in their care.

As the bush dog pups continue to grow and thrive at the Little Rock Zoo, visitors and animal enthusiasts alike can look forward to observing these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The zoo’s commitment to providing a home for rare and endangered species like the bush dogs highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity. With the birth of these three adorable bush dog puppies, the Little Rock Zoo celebrates another milestone in its mission to protect and care for wildlife, inspiring future generations to value and protect our natural world.