David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

Great news from Zimbabwe - the painted dog known as Vusile has been spotted with her mate and, against all odds, they have managed to raise five pups from last year and currently have three pups from this year.

"Statistically this is astonishing," says Peter Blinston , managing director of the Painted Dog Conservation project. "Everything we know from our research tells us that two adults can raise one pup at best - unless they are exceptional, and we have always known that to be the case with Vusile ."

Vusile – ‘the clever one’ – was the only survivor of the ill-fated Bambanani pack that the team had put together and released in 2009.  Her new family is vitally important to the genetic diversity and long-term survival of this extraordinary animal.

Find out more about the painted dog and how you can support them by clicking here

Or adopt Three Spot - he makes a fabulous present for dog and wildlife lovers.