The Bush Dog is a rare, stocky mammal found in the wild in central and south America. They are unique animals that have the face of a bear cub, chirp like a bird and have webbed feet for swimming.
They are elusive hunters rarely seen in the wild, so most of their behaviour has been ascertained from captive groups. In captivity they live in tight-knit family groups of up to 12 individuals. They are highly social but solitary individuals are also common in the wild.
Bush Dogs use strong smelling urine to scent mark their territory, which is why they are also known a “vinegar dogs”
Our group is four brothers named Taz, Gnasher, Odie and Gromitt. They were named after famous cartoon dogs by our maintenance man Bob who built their enclosure.
Scientific Name:
Speothos vanaticus
Status:
Near threatened
Size:
30cm tall and 90cm long (including their tail)
Weight:
5 - 7kg
Life Span in Wild:
Data deficient
Habitat:
Forests and grasslands and close to water. They live in burrows or hollow tree trunks.
Diet:
Carnivore
