Cameras for Cheetahs and Dholes
Posted at 4:11 pm January 19, 2006 by Rachael Shay
Thanks to all the support with the Adopt-An-Animal program, the keepers are going to receive a much needed camera system for the cheetah and dhole enclosures at the CRES Research Station located off exhibit at the Wild Animal Park.
The dhole (pronounced ” dole” ) is an Asian species of wild dog that is very endangered. Its breeding process is unlike the domestic dog that cycles twice a year. This species only cycles once a year. The gestation period for the dhole is about 60 days and then the pups stay in the den for another 2 months or so. So it could take up to four months before we see the pups to evaluate their health. With the new camera system, breeding behaviors can be monitored and recorded for research purposes and to better pinpoint a due date. Also, by placing a special infrared camera in the den, researchers can log the behaviors between mom and pups, check the health and progress of growth, and learn valuable information about breeding and rearing young in the dhole species without bothering them.
The cheetahs at the CRES Research Station will also benefit. Cameras running off the same system as for the dholes will help determine if new cubs are nursing. In the past, the keepers would have to creep in as close as possible to mom and use their best judgment to determine if she was nursing her young properly. With the new camera system, they will be able to view the enclosure and zoom in close to see if the cubs are mouthing and latching on to the nipples properly. As much as we enjoy seeing these cubs at the Zoo’s nursery, it is best for them to be raised by mom. Now, with the cameras purchased through the Adopt-An-Animal program, we can take much better care of these precious creatures!
Rachael Shay is a special events coordinator for the Zoological Society of San Diego.
Adopt an animal here!
Here’s information about our research on cheetahs.
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May 28th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Is it true that dholes are nice if you don’t attack them? And they are the size of a boarder collie?
October 9th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Would you be able to tell me what kind of camera system was used?
Were the cameras connected to a computer for recording?