Wandi’s unexpected discovery is making conservationists extra excited for two reasons. His species, the alpine dingo, shares its habitat with 80 percent of Australia’s human population, which has caused their numbers to dwindle down to the point where they’re “very close to extinction.” What’s more, Australian Geographic tells us purebred dingoes like him are incredibly rare, especially on the alpine dingo’s native east coast. Dingo expert Dr. Ricky Spencer of University of Western Sydney says that the dingo’s ability to interbreed with dogs could make the species go extinct within two decades, and that purebred dingoes are already incredibly rare: “Nowhere on the east coast of Australia can you find a dingo population that isn’t at least fifty percent, and in some cases eighty percent, domestic dog.”

For Wandi, this impending tragedy means a life of (hopefully eagle-free) luxury. The purebred pup is fitting very nicely in the sanctuary, and he even has a playmate of the same age. Conservationists are hopeful that he will continue to develop well and get along with other animals, and he may eventually play a big part in, well, increasing the alpine dingo population.