Dorinka, a dhole that lives in Terra Natura Benidorm, has made her debut in the world of motherhood with the birth of her first three pups. The dhole pups weighed approximately two kilos at birth and measure between 20 and 25 centimetres. Veterinarians have been able to determine that one of the pups is male and the other female, although the third one has not been sexed yet.

The female dhole (Cuon alpinus) was transferred from a zoo in Budapest to Terra Natura Benidorm. The pups remain with their mother in their indoor facility until they reach a month and a half of age. The breeding process should not be interfered with to avoid rejection of the pups by the mother.

Therefore, visual observation is maintained at a distance by the team of keepers and veterinarians several times a day to monitor the proper development and adaptation of the pups, but trying not to stress or disturb them. Dorinka, who is a new mother, behaves in an exemplary manner, taking care of the puppies and feeding them at all times.

The male of the herd also takes good care of the pups. He has even started to bring them pieces of regurgitated meat so that they can smell it and become familiar with this new food, as a preliminary step to changing their diet. In this way, the pups gradually begin to make milk compatible with solid food until they are six months old.

The species feeds on mother’s milk until they are two months old, and it is from six months of age that they only eat meat. At that time, they will become independent of maternal care and will join the herd as soon as they begin to walk and explore their meadow. At present, the group of dholes are formed by one male, two females and three pups.

This species is endangered by the IUCN due to the progressive loss of their habitat, the disappearance of their prey, competition with other predators, as well as some diseases and possible persecution by domestic and feral dogs. They are very sociable animals that live in large clans, which sometimes divide into small groups to hunt.

They feed primarily on medium-sized deer. Unlike most social canids, the cuons let their young eat first after a hunt. Although fearful of humans, groups of this species are capable of attacking large animals such as water buffalo, wild boar and even tigers.