Dublin Zoo has announced the birth of seven African painted dogs.

This brings the total number of African painted dogs at Dublin Zoo to 11.

The new arrivals were born five weeks ago.

In preparing for the birth, the female excavated a deep burrow in the ground and for weeks the animal care team could only guess what was happening.

It is not until the new-borns open their eyes approximately three weeks after birth that she brings them to surface to the sunlight.

Team leader Helen Clarke said: “We are very pleased with how the new additions to the pack are settling in.

“African painted dogs are an endangered species so the arrival of seven pups to Dublin Zoo is of great significance to us.”

Also known as African wild or hunting dogs, African painted dogs have a unique coat pattern, making them easily identifiable.

It is estimated that approximately only 6,000 African painted dogs remain in the wild today.

To see the newest arrivals, visit the African Plains at Dublin Zoo.