Conservation Collaboration: How Zoo’s Work Together to Save Endangered Species

LITTLE ROCK (April 14, 2025)— Behind every new animal arrival at the Little Rock Zoo is a story of collaboration, careful planning, and a shared commitment to conservation. Modern zoos don’t work in isolation; they’re part of a global network that works together to ensure the survival of species, both in the wild and in human care.

Animal transfers between accredited zoos are a regular and vital part of this work. Whether it’s a pair of tigers moving across the country in hopes of finding genetically compatible mates, or a rare species traveling overseas to strengthen a zoo population, these carefully coordinated moves are driven by the Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a program that helps maintain healthy, sustainable populations of animals under human care.

That’s exactly how Luz and Paku, two young bush dogs from France, came to call the Little Rock Zoo home.

A Transatlantic Journey for Conservation

Bush dogs are not commonly found in U.S. zoos—only four or five institutions house them nationwide, including Little Rock. When the Zoo’s last bush dog passed in September 2024, the team immediately began working with partners in Europe to identify potential animals to help re-establish a breeding pair.

Through the SSP and collaboration with European conservation organizations, two genetically valuable one-year-old bush dogs were identified:

• Paku, a male from Zoo des Sables d’Olonne, and
• Luz, a female from Parc Zoologique de Paris.

Once approved, the process began—one that involved months of paperwork, health certifications, permits, and international coordination. Finally, in March 2025, after months of planning and preparation, the two bush dogs were transported to Dallas, Texas, on March 19, 2025, where our staff was waiting for them at the airport.

Though they’d traveled together for hundreds of miles, Paku and Luz hadn’t actually met yet. Once at the Zoo, they were placed in separate dens in the Bear area— where bush dogs at the Little Rock Zoo have been kept for decades—and given the night to settle in and decompress after their journey.

Shortly after, the pair was introduced—and it went better than we could have hoped. Luz, the braver of the two, led the way, with Paku closely following her around as they explored their new environment. They’re continuing to adjust well to their keepers and surroundings.  Zoo staff are hopeful that, with time, the pair may contribute to the growth of a genetically healthy bush dog population in North America.

More About Bush Dogs

Bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) are small, wild canids native to Central and South America. Despite their name, they’re more closely related to maned wolves and other South American canines than domestic dogs. These elusive animals live in close-knit packs and are known for their cooperative hunting skills, often taking down prey much larger than themselves. They’re strong swimmers, too, with partially webbed feet that help them navigate flooded forests and rivers.

Because they’re so difficult to spot in the wild, much of what we know about bush dogs comes from observing them in zoos. But field researchers are making strides: teams in South America are now using domestic dogs trained to sniff out bush dog scat to help locate populations in the wild. This work supports the creation of wildlife corridors and protected areas that benefit not only bush dogs, but entire ecosystems.

Unfortunately, habitat loss remains their greatest threat. That’s why global cooperation—including efforts like Luz and Paku’s transfer to Little Rock—is so important to the future of the species.

What to Look For

If you spot our bush dogs during your next visit, you might hear them vocalizing or even see them scent marking—a unique behavior where they appear to do a handstand while raising their hind legs to mark territory. These behaviors offer rare insights into a species that’s still somewhat mysterious in the wild.

As Luz and Paku make themselves at home, we’re proud to be among the few U.S. zoos contributing to the conservation and understanding of this unique species. Be sure to stop by their habitat—located between the Sloth Bears and Otters—on your next visit to the Little Rock Zoo to see these unique animals for yourself.