Port Lympne Reserve has welcomed not one, but three litters of African wild dog pups.

The male and female puppies are now three months old and take the number of this animal, also known as the African painted dog, to 43 at the reserve.

The pups are split between five packs.

Animal director Adrian Harland said; “We’re delighted with the litters. All the pups are really strong and healthy. They are out and about exploring their surroundings and playing every day.’’

Meanwhile keepers and the reserve’s vet team are carrying out routine health checks on the pups including inoculations and weighings.

African wild dogs are among the most effective hunters in the world and live in packs of 20 to 40.

They are now more commonly found in southern Africa but are down to as few as 3,000 in the wild.

Loss of habitat, hunting and disease have all contributed to their decline.

Mr Harland added: “These impressive and beautiful dogs are endangered in the wild. Our breeding programme will help to ensure that the species survives into the future.”