Terra Natura Benidorm has been named as a new member of the European Committee of Endangered Species Programme (EEP) of dholes of EAZA. Thus, we become one of the European reference centres on the knowledge of this species, which is in danger of extinction and it is estimated that less than 2,500 adult specimens remain in the wild.

As a member we will take care of the EEP of dholes (Dholes Cuon alpinus), to make contact with other conservationists and deliberate on issues concerning the transfer of specimens between zoos that have as their objective the conservation and education on this species. It will also be part of a knowledge network between European parks to exchange information about these animals.

In this case, it will be the biologist and conservative Elisa Gozalbes, who is part of the team of Terra Natura Benidorm, the park’s representative in this European programme. The extensive experience of this centre in the management, reproduction and care of dholes has motivated the decision adopted by the European Committee of the EEA of the EAZA.

Currently, in Terra Natura Benidorm we have a group of dholes of five males and three females. Only one of the females that pairs with the alpha male reproduces. The season on heat starts in November and December, so you can already see the first courtship rituals of the season in the park’s meadows.