Here's the first pictures of Dudley Zoo's new summer arrivals
Here's a first glimpse at some of the latest arrivals at Dudley Zoo - with a new lioness and baby bush dogs among the attractions.
Two female painted dogs have also arrived from Germany, joining the two male dogs who arrived in spring to form the zoo's first mating pair.
Asiatic lioness Kirana, who turned two years-old this week has joined the Castle Hill attraction from Germany as part of an international breeding programme for the endangered big cat species.
Paired with the zoo’s resident male lion, Keshari, keepers report Kirana has settled well and has a lovely, calm temperament.
Meanwhile, two female painted dogs, Isabel, aged two and her eight year-old mum, Alice, have also arrived in Dudley from Germany, joining five year-old brothers, Bruce and Walter, who arrived from Switzerland in the spring, forming the zoo’s first breeding pack of painted dogs.
All four dogs have been introduced together and can be spotted in their brand-new themed habitat, which has been purposely built for the returning species after a five year absence.
But it’s not just newly transferred animals who visitors can spot during the holidays, as the zoo has also enjoyed a recent baby boom, with wolverine kits, Arctic fox, reindeer and bush dogs born over the last few months.
Newest arrivals, four bush dog pups, were born to mother Dora and father Twenké on June 22.
The experienced parents, who already have four 10-month-old sons, have already been spotted carrying their tiny offspring around the outdoor paddock in the sunshine as they move them between underground burrows.
DZC Senior Curator Richard Brown, said: “It’s been an incredibly busy and very exciting few months welcoming a number of new additions to Dudley Zoo.
“All our new faces play important roles in conservation, education and raising awareness for their species. We hope visitors will come and discover more about these fascinating animals during the summer months.”
Throughout the school holiday, visitors can learn lots more about the new arrivals during specific focus events.
Each week the zoo will shine the spotlight on a different species which is native to hotter climates, with interactive activities, games, information stands and daily educational talks.
