Vienna, Austria – The black-tailed prairie dog enclosure at Schönbrunn Zoo is bustling with life following the birth of six pups in mid-May. Born naked and blind, the young prairie dogs spent their first month hidden in an underground burrow under their mother’s care. Now, the curious pups frequently emerge above ground, exploring and nibbling fresh grass.

Zoo director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck invites visitors to see the pups: “Black-tailed prairie dogs are native to the vast steppes of North America. The pups can now be easily observed here at our zoo. You shouldn’t miss this on a visit.”

Belonging to the squirrel family, these prairie dogs are known for their black-tipped tails and distinctive alarm calls. Curator Rupert Kainradl, MSc., explains, “Their alarm call sounds like a bark and warns conspecifics of enemies such as birds of prey, coyotes, or snakes.” The animals live in complex social groups led by a male with several females. In the wild, these groups join into vast colonies.

Social bonds within the group are reinforced through grooming, physical contact, and communal sleeping. In their natural habitat, prairie dogs build intricate tunnel systems, functioning like underground cities. These tunnels help loosen soil and play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

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