Giant Anteater Born at the Zoo
The Zoo celebrated a first on the morning of July 24—the birth of a giant anteater. Zoo staff have not yet determined the baby's gender or weight. Like many first-time animal mothers, the anteater might be prone to stress that would affect her rearing of the baby, so staff will make every effort not to disturb the animals. According to keepers, the first-time mother is showing excellent maternal instinct in caring for her baby and is very patient as the baby negotiates its various techniques of climbing up onto her back.
The Zoo's animal care staff and veterinarians had been closely monitoring the adult female anteater for several months, performing regular ultrasounds and other diagnostics. Based on the typical gestation period of giant anteaters, staff expected the mother to give birth in early August. She surprised them early on July 24 when a keeper checking on the animal discovered the tiny baby clinging to its mother’s chest.
At birth, giant anteaters are about three pounds and covered in hair, looking much like miniature adults. When a baby rides on its mother's back, similar coloring helps keeps the baby camouflaged. Giant anteaters, native to Central and South America, can eat as many as 30,000 ants a day. 
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We need your help to name the baby giant anteater. Now through August 26, you may vote for your favorite boy and girl names. After the baby's exam in late August, we will announce whether it's male or female and which name won. Vote now.
Visiting the Anteaters
Visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of mother and baby in their exhibit next to Lemur Island from 8 to 10 a.m. The baby’s father, who has been separated from mother and baby, may be seen on exhibit in the yard at all other times. Male anteaters play no part in the rearing of offspring.
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