The baby boom at Budapest Zoo continues. This month, the third offspring of breeding anteaters, Isabela and William, came into the world and can now be seen being carried on its mother’s back. The pup will be named later, once its gender is determined.
Giant anteaters belong to a special group of mammals, along with sloths, and are more closely related to armadillos. Other types of anteater lay eggs. Adults can weigh up to 40kg and be up to two metres long, from the tip of their elongated nose to the end of the shaggy tail. They are native to many countries in South America, but are no longer found together in great numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified their situation as vulnerable.
Giant anteaters have powerful front legs and huge claws to allow them to dig out termite mounds looking for food, consumed with their long, sticky tongue.
In recent weeks, all numbers of creatures have been born or arrived at Budapest Zoo, from a red panda to Parma kangaroos
and flamingos.
Budapest Zoo
District XIV. Állatkerti körút 6-12
