Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrated the arrival of four rare African Wild Dog pups, which were born as part of the Zoo’s breeding program in early May. Experienced mother Zuri, who was transported to Taronga Western Plains Zoo from Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand in 2008, has been very protective of her young. The pups remained in the den with Zuri for the first few weeks before they started to venture out and explore their yard. Zuri and father Notch are both very attentive to their offspring. Browny, the other adult male in the pack, is a good uncle and heavily involved in raising the pups, as it is his job to help feed them. Zuri is one of the most genetically important females in the region; therefore this litter of pups is even more important as they will ultimately contribute to the regional population in the future.

• Zuri - mother of Jengo, Guban, Zazu and Zahara originally from Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand, came to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2008
• Notch - father of Jengo, Guban, Zazu and Zahara
• Browny - uncle of Jengo, Guban, Zazu and Zahara
• Jengo - male pup born May 2009 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo 
• Guban - male pup born May 2009 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo 
• Zazu - male pup born May 2009 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo 
• Zahara - female pup born May 2009 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo