LITTLE ROCK (August 7, 2025) – When we first introduced our bush dog pair to the Little Rock Zoo, we shared the story of their journey from France to Arkansas—a carefully coordinated effort made possible through international collaboration and the guidance of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). That exciting milestone was just the beginning.
Now, we’re thrilled to announce the next chapter: the arrival of their very first litter!
Our bush dogs have welcomed three healthy puppies to the Zoo. The pups are growing quickly under the watchful care of their attentive parents and our expert animal care team. All three pups recently had their first neonatal wellness exam, where our veterinary staff confirmed their overall health and determined their genders.
We’re excited to share that the litter includes two males and one female, each with a meaningful name:
Beatriz – A name that means “blessed one” or “she who brings happiness.”
Train – Named in honor of the original Train, a conservation detection dog who worked with biologist Karen DeMatteo in Argentina to protect multiple species.
Bernardo – A strong name that means “brave as a bear.”
In the photo, from left to right, you’ll see Beatriz, Bernardo, and Train.
Growing Up at the Zoo
In the early days, our animal care team took a hands-off approach, giving mom and dad space to bond with and care for her pups naturally. As the pups have grown, they’ve become more adventurous, starting to explore their surroundings and develop the strong pack behaviors typical of bush dogs.
To help keep the pups safe as they become more mobile, temporary “puppy fences” have been added to their habitat to prevent them from venturing too close to the moat. The family is now beginning to appear in the exhibit during short intervals, especially during the cooler parts of the day.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the pups, here are a few tips:
- The pups are most likely to be visible in the morning or on cooler days.
- Please observe quietly near the habitat—mom is still adjusting to the increased attention and is more likely to stay out with her pups when it’s calm and quiet.
- Like all of our animals, they have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, so be patient—sightings may be brief, but they’re worth the wait!
We’ll continue to share updates as the pups grow, but we invite you to come witness this remarkable conservation success in person. Their habitat is located between the Sloth Bears and Otters.
These pups are more than just adorable—they’re the result of careful planning, international cooperation, and ongoing dedication from our staff. We’re proud to be one of the few U.S. zoos contributing to the conservation and understanding of this unique species.
