The western Venezuelan state of Zulia is home to three of the 129 'Speothos venaticus', or bush dogs, that exist in captivity in the world. This wild animal species is at risk of extinction. The three captive bush dogs in Venezuela live under protection in 'Parque Sur', a park institution of the city of Maracaibo, capital of Zulia.

Known as 'perros de monte' in Venezuela, these unusual web-footed canids are about 75 cm long, 30 cm tall at the shoulder, and weigh five to seven kg. They can also be found in Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia and Paraguay, living along rivers and in savannahs.