According to the zoo team, the cub developed very well and, despite its very young age, is almost the same size as its father. Photo: Bioparque Zoo Pomerode/Disclosure.

Last November, a small giant anteater was born, winning the hearts of many people – from the professionals at the Pomerode Biopark Zoo to the rest of the state.

In addition to being born prematurely, the puppy did not receive initial care from its mother. So the zoo team stepped in and welcomed the animal back, making every effort necessary for its healthy development.

Constant care

As soon as the puppy was born, feeding was carried out every two hours, including at night. It then increased to four times a day and changed as the little giant anteater grew, always under the supervision of professionals from the Pomerode Zoo Biopark.

Over time, he dropped the bottle and began eating baby food and wet food until he reached dry food, which the zoo team says is ideal for the species when under human care.

As soon as the chick got used to the food, it was placed in a mixed environment with birds. Later he began to live with his father. At first they were physically separated, but could see each other. And since the little giant anteater had not yet lived with any member of its species, such careful adaptation was necessary. Today, father and son live in the same space and get along very well.

According to the zoo team, the cub developed very well and, despite its very young age, is almost the same size as its father – the species reaches sexual maturity between the ages of two and a half and four years. He continues to be monitored by a team of biologists, veterinarians and animal scientists, and is also involved in preventative medicine and environmental improvement programs.

Characteristics and curiosity of this species.

The giant anteater is a terrestrial animal. It has large and strong front claws, important for protecting and opening anthills. It has a thin, long and cylindrical snout, as well as a small mouth and tongue, which can be up to 60 centimeters long.

It received this name because its tail is shaped like a flag due to its long hair. An adult giant anteater is about 2 meters long and weighs up to 40 kg.

The animal actually has no teeth and eats ants and termites, which is why it is nicknamed the “anteater” because it eats about 30,000 ants a day. The Pomerode Zoo has developed food specifically for this species that contains all the necessary nutrients, and small grains imitate ants and termites.

Endangered species

The giant anteater is a terrestrial animal. Photo: Bioparque Zoo Pomerode/Disclosure.

The giant anteater is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN – the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’ Red List of Threatened Species.

The animals kept at the Bioparc Pomerode Zoo are part of a conservation program that includes this species. Its main threats are habitat loss, fires, roadkill and hunting.

In fact, about 77% of the zoo’s animals have been rescued from being run over, burned, abused, trafficked, etc.

Many of them were orphans and needed human care to survive, so they do not know how to protect themselves, find food or shelter, and cannot be returned to the wild. However, inside the zoo, animals receive all the care they need and can participate in conservation programs that help save endangered species.

To find out more about the animals, rules and visiting times, visit the Bioparc Pomerode Zoo website. Also take the opportunity to subscribe to the Instagram profile and stay up to date with the latest news.