The Living Desert Welcomes Litter Of Wild Dogs

PALM DESERT -The Living Desert’s first litter of African wild dogs were born in October, it was announced today.

Malia, the puppies’ mother, gave birth to two female and two male pups on Oct. 23, said Liz Hile, curator of animals at the zoo and botanical gardens, which preserves 1,000 acres of natural desert.

The African wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered canids.

“Affirming life, especially for endangered species is always a rewarding experience,” Hile said. “The Living Desert has one of only two litters born at U.S. zoos this year.”

The species used to roam through sub-Saharan Africa in 39 countries, but now live in only 15, Hile said.

The packs are nomadic and the decline in their population is mostly attributed to human persecution and habitat fragmentation, she said.

The father, Moshi, has brought the mother food and has stood guard outside the den in a typical wild dog style, according to Hile.

All four pups are healthy and can be viewed at the park, which is located at 47900 Portola Avenue.