Endangered painted dog at ZooTampa dies, officials say

TAMPA, Fla. — Officials with ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced that “Monet,” a 6-year-old endangered painted dog, has died.

In a Facebook post, officials said “Monet” was one of the seven puppies born at ZooTampa on Oct. 1, 2018.

“In recognition of the species’ traditional “painted” fur, she was named after the famous painter, Claude Monet,” ZooTampa stated in the post. “She was known for her crescent moon shape pattern on her front right leg and her bold personality.”

Also known as African wild dogs, painted dogs are one of the world’s most endangered mammals, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The largest populations of painted dogs remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa, especially Tanzania and northern Mozambique, WWF said.

WWF added that painted dogs are social by nature and gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs can reach more than 40. They are described as “opportunistic predators” that hunt medium-sized ruminants, such as gazelles.

“In a sprint, African wild dogs can reach speeds of more than 44 miles per hour,” WWF stated.

Major threats to the survival of painted dogs in Africa include accidental and targeted killings by humans, viral diseases like rabies and distemper and habitat loss alongside competition with larger predators like lions.

“Conflicts occur when wild dogs come in contact with people whose livelihoods rest largely on livestock and agriculture,” WWF said. “Problems arise when expanding human activities decrease the habitat for available prey for wild dogs.”

ZooTampa officials said “Monet” enjoyed learning new behaviors and cuddling with her two sisters. She was also featured in the Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa documentary series and was part of the first litter of painted dog puppies born in ZooTampa’s history.

10 Tampa Bay reached out to ZooTampa on “Monet’s” cause of death and is waiting to hear back.

“Our thoughts are with the entire Zoo team, especially with the animal care professionals who provided her with amazing care every day,” officials said.