Perth Zoo’s stunning African Painted Dog, Akina, undergoes health check up without putting a paw wrong

This could well be the feel-good story of the day!

Perth Zoo’s African Painted Dog, Akina, was a picture of health during her latest health checkup.

The gold-standard veterinary facilities on offer at the zoo mean that every animal has its own individuals welfare plan, specialised diets and, of course, regular hospital visits.

The 2-year-old, whose breed is also referred to as the African Wild Dog, underwent her first general anesthetic so staff could assess her body condition and mobility while taking X-rays and drawing blood samples.

As part of her amazing ‘free health care’ plan, Akina was treated to a scale and clean by the dentist, leaving her sharp teeth in mint condition!

The Zoo said they are “committed” to ensuring the health and wellbeing of their animals.

“Akina’s health results are a testament to the efforts of our hardworking animal carers,” a Zoo spokesperson said.

“Perth Zoo does much more for this species than just caring for them onsite.”

Thanks to a collaboration with Painted Dog Conservation Inc, the Zoo also funds the African Wildlife Patrol Unit, which cares for the animals in the African savannah.

“We also fund anti-poaching patrols, snare removal and community education programs in Africa.”

Thanks to the conservation efforts, numbers for the wild dogs have significantly increased from 2500 dogs to nearly 7000.