Adorable bush dog puppies pictured after being born at zoo

By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS

An adorable litter of bush dog puppies have been pictured playing together after they were born at a British wildlife park.

The cute canines, which are native to South America, were snapped climbing over logs after leaving their den at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Their mom, Belle, five, gave birth in July and has been closely nurturing them with their dad, Gaston, two.

And the four pups - made up of two males and two females who have yet to be named - have recently become much bolder as they build up their strength.

Bush Dogs are the smallest wild pack-hunting dogs in the world and are listed as ‘near threatened’ by international observers as their numbers have rapidly dwindled.

Dr. Charlotte McDonald, animal director at the 175-acre park near Doncaster, South Yorks., said she was thrilled that they had developed so well.

She said: “We were very excited to welcome the litter as we continue our mission in conservation.

“On the 5th of July rangers reported that Belle had given birth to a litter of puppies overnight.

"The pups stayed safely tucked away in the den for weeks and Gaston and Belle have done an amazing job of caring for them.

“Belle spent most of her time in the den, while Gaston could be seen guarding the entrance.

"Now the pups regularly explore the enclosure and have bonded with the rest of the pack. They are becoming bolder and bolder – much to the delight of visitors.”

Bush Dogs live in family groups of up to 12 and build strong bonds by sleeping close to each other, hunting together, and moving as a pack.