Zoos SA staff have hearts stolen by two 10-week-old dingo pups, that were found in Alice Springs

Two dingo puppies found by schoolchildren at Alice Springs are settling in to their new home, where zoo keepers hope they can do an important job.

Two puppies, believed to be Desert dingoes, that were found by schoolchildren in Alice Springs have already stolen the hearts of Zoos SA workers.

The 10-week-old siblings, which were discovered along with six other pups near the Todd River in late March, arrived at Adelaide Zoo on Tuesday night.

Zoos SA’s animal behaviour and creative programs manager Nic Bishop said being able to care for the pups was exciting for many reasons.

The two 10-week-old puppies, believed to be Desert dingoes, being cared for at Adelaide Zoo. Picture: Zoos SA

“The dingo is a very special species that is under threat,” Mr Bishop said.

“The opportunity to house the puppies will allow us to better understand the dingoes’ needs as well as educate people about its plight and the important role they play in the Australian ecosystem.”

The six other puppies found by the schoolchildren are currently in the care of Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.

Mr Bishop hoped Zoos SA could help change the public’s poor perception of the dingo.

“The reality is that the dingo is well suited to the challenges of the Australian landscape,” he said.

“I love all animals but I must say these two puppies have already stolen a bit of our hearts.”

One of the 10-week-old puppies being examined by Zoos SA workers. Picture: Zoos SA

He said the siblings – a male and a female – were “playful and high-spirited”.

“What we know so far, is that they are very vigilant about the environment, curious and investigative and, when they play with each other they are hardcore in their approach,” Mr Bishop said.

“We are, however, still uncertain as to whether the puppies are pure dingoes or a hybrid and will have to wait 6-8 weeks for DNA tests to confirm this.”

A Dingo Diary will be published on Zoos SA’s social media channels to update the public on the animals’ progress.

The dingo is believed to have arrived in Australia between 5000 and 10,000 years ago, having travelled with seafarers from South East Asia.