ZooParc Overloon welcomes new residents: three African wild dogs

ZooParc has welcomed three new African wild dogs. Two females and one male of this endangered species have moved to the park in Overloon as part of the management program.

Through the management program, also called the breeding program, zoos ensure a healthy reserve population. "This is necessary because the African wild dog is Africa's most endangered large predator. This is due in part to the reduction and destruction of habitat, and the fact that people place snares and traps to keep the African wild dog away from their livestock," says chief zookeeper Steven van den Heuvel.

"With the male, Champinion, and the two females, which we will name soon, we can start contributing to the management program. In addition, it is great to have African wild dogs in our park again, after our two males died last month," Van den Heuvel said.