By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE newest addition to Gumbuya Park has howled down the halls of its new home, but still won the hearts of its carers.
A four-week-old female alpine dingo, which is yet to be named, is among only one per cent of alpine dingoes which are born white.
The pup was born to private breeders of the Dingo Care Network and according to Gumbuya Park staff, will help to preserve pure alpine dingo bloodlines. They also expect she will be a big hit at the park.
Park manager Tony Hower said they had acquired her from a young age to get her used to being handled by humans.
“We got her at four weeks of age to instil in her how to be handled properly,” he said.
“This is so the instincts don’t kick in and they aren’t as wild.”
He said it was important to handle them as much as possible and make them people-friendly.
A competition is currently running to name the new dingo, and Mr Hower said they were hoping to find an Aboriginal name with a meaning in English.
He said the winner would score a family entry pass into the park and a free encounter with the new dingo.
Mr Hower said she had managed to make a racket since her arrival and had already started to howl.
He said she would eventually go in with the black and tanned dingoes which are already at the park.
Those keen to meet the new addition can do so over the school holidays and on the weekend, from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
To suggest a name for the pup, visit www.gumbuya.com.au before the competition finishes in two weeks.
