Dublin Zoo has today announced the arrival of a new species of wild dog.
The dholes, also known as Asiatic wild dogs, now have a new home in the heart of Dublin.
Five male dholes arrived in Dublin Zoo from Germany and, according to the zoo, the animals are settling into their new habitat "very well".
The pack of dholes consists of a pair of six-year-old brothers, a pair of three-year-old brothers and a five-year-old half-brother.
A spokesperson for Dublin Zoo said: “This is the first time in the zoo’s history that it has had resident dholes, and a first for Ireland.
"The five male dholes came to Dublin Zoo from Tierpark Berlin a number of days ago and are settling into their new habitat very well."
Dholes were once widespread throughout Central, South and Southeast Asia, and are now scatted around Bangladesh, China, India, and Thailand.
They are classified as an endangered species.
Speaking about the news, Ciaran McMahon, Team Leader at Dublin Zoo said: “ We are delighted to welcome dholes to Dublin Zoo. It’s the first time we’ve had this species at the Zoo so it’s an exciting time for all the team.
"We’re really looking forward for visitors to the Zoo to see the dholes and to get the opportunity to learn more about this type of wild dog.”
He added, “It is estimated that there are between 4,500 – 10,000 dholes left in the wild with numbers declining, so having them at Dublin Zoo as part of a global effort to preserve the species, raise awareness and educate the public on the threats they face in the wild is hugely important."
As many schools close next week for mid-term, the zoo, which first opened in 1831 and attracts over one million visitors a year, is gearing up for a busy period.
The dhole habitat is located at the Asian Forests, close to the Asian lion habitat.
You can book tickets to visit Dublin Zoo here.
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