Werribee Open Range Zoo today unleashed its latest animal attraction - the spectacular African Wild Dogs exhibit.

Parliamentary Secretary for Water and Environment, Michael Crutchfield, officially opened the new exhibit and released nine African Wild Dogs into their new home.

"The African Wild Dog is one of Africa's most endangered animals, with estimates there are only a few thousand left in Africa - fewer than the number of white rhino," Mr Crutchfield said.

"The importance of captive breeding programs is becoming increasingly important as many species in the wild face serious threats including habitat destruction, illegal poaching and disease."

Werribee Open Range Zoo Director, Jenny Gray, said the African Wild Dogs exhibit was the largest animal attraction built at the Zoo since Kubu River Hippos in 2006.

"This exciting new display features multiple viewing areas so visitors can get extremely close to the animals and see their fascinating behaviour in naturalistic African surroundings," Ms Gray said.

"We are certain these new animals will thrill visitors with their interesting appearance, behaviours and noises.

A few quick African Wild Dog facts:

They have a complex vocal range that includes chirps and squeaks that sound a bit like bird calls.

They hunt in packs and are successful in up to 90% of their hunts- the highest of any african carnivore!

They have the highest Bite Force Quotient (BFQ) of any living mammal carnivore (basically they have really strong jaws).

See and hear these amazing animals for yourself this summer in their new naturalistic African setting at Werribee Open Range Zoo!

		African Wild Dogs Fact Sheet African_Wild_Dogs_Fact_Sheet.pdf  ( 26.5 KB )