Two pure-dingo pups from the Dingo Discovery Centre were released from quarantine last week into their snow-covered permanent display enclosure at the zoo. When the zoo reopens next month, these Australian youngsters will be the star attraction of the 2-hectare Australian Adventure section.

The zoo's Australian fauna stud bookkeeper, Elaine Kirchner, was at the Toolern Vale Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre for a few days of intensive learning about dingo husbandry. Ms Kirchner says the zoo now has just one 14-year-old female that came from a zoo in Poland.

Her American visitors were curious about dingoes but knew little about them. "They're surprised we can go in with them and that we're not afraid of them - at how gentle they are."

Ms Kirchner said interest in dingoes was growing in American zoos, but there was a shortage of animals suitable for breeding as only two or three zoos kept the native Australians. The chance to pick up two pure-bred pups from the sanctuary and research centre was a godsend, she said.

With the two new pups, there was a possibility of collaborating with other zoos to expand dingo bloodlines. "We're looking into breeding, but we need to make sure we have homes for their offspring to go to."

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo was named the US's number one zoo for Australian animals and exhibits by the authors of America's Best Zoos.