Meet Our Animals

© Mark Kostich

New Guinea Singing Dog

New Guinea Singing Dog (Canis familiaris dingo)
Range: Papua New Guinea
Status: Unknown

New Guinea singing dogs are the result of many generations of an aboriginal dog evolving and adapting to island life on Papua New Guinea. Their relatives from more than 20,000 years ago moved into Australia and became dingoes. Their exact taxonomy is hotly debated in the scientific world. Some people consider them feral domestic dogs; some consider them a subspecies of dingo; still others think they are a distinct species. Their behavior is certainly different than that of domestic dogs. Watch their interactions. They are great tree climbers and diggers, they are stronger than other dogs the same size, and they have distinct vocalizations that sound like eerie singing. The New Guinea singing dogs at the Center are mostly well socialized and enjoy going out for educational programs. They appreciate attention and love to meet new people.

Samara New Guinea Singing Dog

Samara is being trained to go off-site for programs. She is a bit nervous about other animals, especially unfamiliar dogs, but she is game to try anything that will give her a lot of attention.

Samara loves any special treats and any visitors who will spend time with her and give her attention. She is an excellent digger and is highly skilled at burying things.

She has recently begun to share her space with Kodi, a neutered male companion. They have had a lot of negotiating to do to settle who gets attention first, who sleeps where, and who gets the first treat, but they seem to be working it out well. They really like going to visit schools together for educational programs.

back to top