The newest arrivals at the Lake District Wildlife Park at Bassenthwaite have made themselves at home and caused a little chaos along the way.
A lively group of four bush dogs have quickly become firm favourites with staff thanks to their playful personalities, endless energy and cheeky antics.
The quartet have been named Taz, Odie, Gnasher and Gromit inspired by some of the world’s most famous mischievous cartoon dogs.
“Bush dogs are incredibly intelligent, curious and energetic animals, and our group have wasted no time showing us exactly that,” said park manager, Richard Robinson.
“Within just a few days of arriving, they managed to dive to the bottom of their pond and completely rip out the pond liner. It’s safe to say they are mischievous.”
Native to Central and South America, bush dogs are one of the world’s lesser-known wild canines and are perfectly adapted for life in wetlands and forests.
Despite their small size and adorable appearance, they are remarkable hunters and excellent swimmers.
Unlike most dog species, they have partially webbed feet, helping them move powerfully through water. They are also capable of diving underwater – something the park’s new arrivals demonstrated almost immediately.
Bush dogs communicate using squeaks, whines and chirps rather than traditional barking.
However, they are not always noisy. Bush dogs are so elusive in the wild that many people living in their native range never see one and not a great deal is known about them.
However, in terms of conservation, they are considered near threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Keepers say the group have settled in exceptionally well and are already displaying strong bonds with one another, often playing, exploring and sleeping together.
“Their confidence has grown every day,” added Richard. “They’re endlessly entertaining to watch and visitors are already falling in love with their personalities.”
Guests visiting the Lake District Wildlife Park can now see Taz, Odie, Gnasher and Gromit exploring their enclosure daily – though keepers admit they are already preparing for whatever chaos the quartet might get up to next.
