Dingo Puppies Expected Soon as Chilli Prepares to Become a Mum Again
There is exciting news at the Australian Reptile Park, with much loved dingo Chilli confirmed to be pregnant and expecting puppies in the coming weeks.
Keepers recently confirmed through ultrasound and X-ray that Chilli is carrying at least four puppies, with a chance there may be a fifth. The news has sparked plenty of excitement among the team, who have been carefully preparing for the arrival of the newest dingo pups.
Chilli arrived at the Australian Reptile Park a few years ago with fellow dingo Bandit. The pair quickly became favourites with visitors, thanks to their cheeky personalities, striking looks and familiar names inspired by the beloved Bluey characters.
For keepers, the first signs came a few weeks ago when Chilli started looking a little different. Her belly had begun to swell, her teats were enlarged and her appetite had grown very strong.
Head Mammals Keeper Seleena De Gelder said the team knew something had changed.
“Chilli has always been such a sweet and gentle dingo, so we know her very well,” said Seleena De Gelder.
“When we noticed her belly changing and her appetite increasing so much, we thought there was a good chance she may be pregnant.
We took her straight to the vet for a check-up and were absolutely thrilled when it was confirmed.”
At Chilli’s first veterinary appointment, it was still too early to know exactly how many puppies she was carrying. After a follow up visit this week, vets were able to confirm four puppies, with the possibility of one more.
“It was quite tricky to get a perfect view because there was some bowel content blocking part of the image,” said Seleena.
“We can definitely see four puppies, and there may be another one hiding behind.
On the scans, you can even see the tiny little spines of the puppies as they continue to grow, which is incredibly special.”
Dingoes have a short gestation period of around 61 to 63 days, which means Chilli’s puppies are expected to arrive very soon. Behind the scenes, keepers have been working hard to make her den warm, safe and comfortable.
The team has added extra straw, insulation and cameras inside the den so they can monitor Chilli closely. With a bit of luck, they may even be able to capture the birth on camera.
“Chilli is handling pregnant life beautifully,” said Seleena De Gelder. “She is as sweet as ever, just a lot hungrier. We have made her den extra comfortable and we are watching her closely for any signs that labour may be starting.”
As the countdown begins, keepers are looking out for signs that Chilli may be going into labour. These can include changes in the way she walks, excessive licking, restlessness and other signs of discomfort.
Visitors may still be able to spot Chilli and Bandit in the dingo yard while the team continues preparations behind the scenes. The Australian Reptile Park has already organised new homes for the puppies once they have grown, outgrown their mum and are ready to be completely independent.
“This is such a special moment for our keepers,” said Seleena De Gelder. “Chilli is a beautiful dingo with the most gentle nature, and we can’t wait to see her become a mum. Everyone at the Australian Reptile Park is very excited to welcome the puppies.”