Dudley Zoo wild dogs treated to new heating system
Wild dogs are Dudley Zoo have been spoiled rotten this winter – thanks to newly installed central heating.
The dogs are keeping the winter chills at bay in their newly-heated den.
Senior Keeper Sam Grove said: "The dogs all love snuggling together in the den so we decided to give it a revamp by fitting a new roof and we added heating inside.
"We also raised the wooden flooring, which we top with lots of straw each day, so the dogs can stay toasty during the colder weather even when they're outdoors."
Their outdoor den is directly in front of the viewing window, allowing visitors the chance to see the dogs at close range.
The siblings – brothers Diallo, Azizi, Ochi and Gamba and sister Subira – arrived from Chester Zoo back in June and have become popular additions to the Dudley Zoo collection.
The long-legged canines only have four toes per foot, unlike other dogs.
They are also know as painted dogs, which refers to their irregular, mottled coat. No two dogs have the same markings, which makes it easy to identify individuals.
But it is not just the dogs who are enjoying central heating as keepers make sure all of the animals are kept warm when the temperature drops.
Many of the animal dens across the 40-acre site are insulated and heated, with temperature gauges able to be adjusted if the need arises.
Additional heat lamps can also be brought in should the temperature take a sudden drop.
