When an animal gives birth in what it perceives as a threatening or unstable environment, it might choose to reject its young to prioritize its own survival.
Since their actions are driven purely by instinct and considering that each species and circumstance is unique, this reaction is not universal. Some animals may view their surroundings as entirely safe, while others may see the same setting as fraught with danger.
This is precisely what a new mother experienced when she turned away from her pups, but, fortunately, another animal came to the rescue.
Challenging Beginnings
When Potawatomi Zoo, located in South Bend, Indiana, welcomed three endangered African painted dog pups, they initially celebrated. Sadly, this joy was short-lived.
Their parents, Bleu and Maurice, were long-standing members of the Zoo’s family, enabling the staff to closely monitor Bleu’s pregnancy from the outset. At first, everything seemed fine, and Bleu eventually gave birth to eight healthy pups.
Given that African painted dogs thrive in packs, it was essential for this new family to remain as united as possible.
Staff intervention was to be minimized, allowing the painted dog parents to raise their pups independently whenever possible.
“In zoos, the animal care team strives to maintain a hands-off approach to let the painted dog pack nurture their pups. This method has shown success in numerous zoo births across the globe, aiding the puppies in learning their species’ complex social dynamics. The aim is for each litter to eventually integrate into a pack and enhance future breeding programs within zoos,” stated the staff in a newsletter.
However, just 12 hours post-birth, staff recognized an issue. As an inexperienced mother, Bleu struggled to care for her pups and began to neglect them.
After consulting with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), the staff decided intervention was necessary to hand-raise the litter.
To ensure the pups developed within a canine social structure, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate domestic dog for nursing, rather than bottle-feeding.
And that’s just what they accomplished!
A Heartwarming Stepmother
With help from the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare, the Indiana Zoo quickly welcomed a lovely Golden Retriever named Kassy, who had recently given birth to a delightful litter of her own, providing an abundance of milk to share.
True to her gentle nature, Kassy warmly accepted the painted dog pups, nursing and nurturing them as if they were her own.
Despite Kassy being an exceptional surrogate and the staff working tirelessly to ensure the pups’ needs were met, not all painted dog pups survived. While it’s common for newborn animals to face early challenges, this news was disheartening.
Yet, there was still good news to share: three pups survived!
The surviving pups, named Blue, Red, and Orange based on their tracking colors, thrived under Kassy’s care until they were strong enough.
“Initially, the plan was for the painted dog pups to be reintegrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. But the adult dogs did not show the desired positive interactions with the pups, prompting a change in strategy,” the staff noted.
The updated plan involves creating a habitat for Blue, Red, and Orange close to Bleu and Maurice, allowing them to learn proper painted dog behavior. Being near their species will support the pups in developing their natural instincts.
Conclusion
As the pups mature, Zoo staff will strive to reconnect them with the Potawatomi Zoo African Painted Dogs pack.
Should integration remain difficult, the pups will be relocated to another AZA-accredited institution, where they can eventually start families of their own.
It was truly remarkable to witness the collective efforts to ensure the wellbeing of all animals involved. Kassy’s role was instrumental—an amazing dog and mother who willingly stepped in to help.
Well done, Kassy!
