Brookfield Zoo Celebrates the Arrival of a Very Special New Litter

Something tiny, rare, and quietly remarkable is happening behind the scenes at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and guests will get their chance to see it in the coming months.

According to the press release, a new litter at Habitat Africa! The Savannah is just beginning to open their eyes, take their first wobbly steps, and explore their surroundings. For now, these early milestones are happening off-exhibit, but they represent a major moment for the zoo and its conservation efforts.

A Rare and Endangered Beginning

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The litter belongs to African painted dogs, one of Africa’s most endangered predators. According to the press release, the pups were born on November 25 and arrived weighing less than a pound. Born blind with their signature round ears folded over, the zoo estimates there are around 10 pups based on footage captured by a den camera.

A First-Time Mom with a Zoo Connection

The proud mother is Roanne, a first-time mom who was born at Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, in 2020. According to the press release, she will turn six years old in January, making this litter a meaningful full-circle moment for the zoo’s animal care team.

A Heart-Shaped Standout

Each African painted dog pup is born with unique coat markings. According to the press release, caretakers have already identified some of the pups by their white spots, including one with a heart-shaped marking. As the pups grow, the black in their coats will gradually fade to gold, revealing even more distinct patterns.

Worth the Drive This Spring

African painted dogs are estimated to number just 7,000 in the wild. According to the press release, this litter highlights Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s role in protecting threatened species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals from Extinction program. Guests are expected to meet the pups this spring, making this a heartwarming and worthwhile drive for animal lovers across Illinois.

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