Rolling Hills Zoo went to the dogs on Tuesday.
For the first time, visitors were able to see four new African Painted Dogs that are now on permanent display. The dogs are in a newly renovated exhibit.
Jesse, Taco, Chuck Norris, and Bruce Lee made their public debut.
According to the Painted Dog Conservation organization, Painted Dogs, also known as African Wild Dogs, are unique to Africa and they are among this continent’s most endangered species. It is estimated that a mere 3,000 – 5,000 remain.
The Painted Dog habitat is located where the Gray Wolves previously lived. In November, the zoo lost the last of its pack of four Gray Wolves. Stony died from a rare, aggressive cancer.
African Painted Dogs were housed in the same space prior to the Gray Wolves.