Detroit Zoo Welcomes Rare Bush Dogs

The Detroit Zoo has two new residents: One-year-old bush dog sisters Miranda and Dolly.

The pair's arrival marks the first time in nearly 45 years that the zoo has had bush dogs, which reside at only five other zoos in the United States.

“With fewer than 30 bush dogs in U.S. zoos, Detroit Zoo visitors have a unique opportunity see these rare – and very cute – wild dogs of the rainforest,” Chief Life Sciences Officer Scott Carter said.

"Native to South America, the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is known for its low-to-the-ground build, with a shoulder height of only 12 inches, and can weigh up to 15 pounds," according to the Detroit Zoo. "The wild canid sports long, reddish-brown fur and has webbed feet that make it an ideal swimmer in tropical rivers and wetlands. 

"With fewer than 15 thousand bush dogs in the wild, the species is listed as 'near threatened' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species due to habitat destruction and development by humans," the zoo says.

The Detroit Zoo will have extended hours during the Fourth of July weekend. The zoo will be open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

Check the zoo's website for more information on the bush dogs and special holiday hours.