Tamandua Pup Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ESCONDIDO, CA — A southern tamandua pup was born this summer at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Friday.

The female pup, who does not yet have a name, was born July 21 to first-time parents, Cora and Fernando.

"We are elated to have this little pup in our care," said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the Safari Park.

Southern tamanduas are a type of anteater. They are often called "lesser anteaters" because they are much smaller than their relative, the giant anteater, according to the Safari Park. Native to Central and South America, they are at home in trees and on the ground.

Tamanduas have small eyes and poor vision, but they have acute senses of hearing and smell. They eat small insects such as ants and termites.

"Both mom and pup are doing very well — and Cora is an attentive mom, keeping her pup nestled in their den the majority of the time, but venturing outside for up to an hour some days," Petersonsaid. "It is great to see the pup developing, using her strong claws to cling to Cora's back with confidence as Cora climbs about the habitat."

The mother and pup will remain in their off-view habitat for about two months while they bond, according to the Safari Park. Eventually, Cora will bring her pup outside for longer periods of time, and visitors may see the pair on a Behind-the-Scenes Safari at the Safari Park's Wildlife Connections habitat or up close during an unscheduled wildlife presentation inside the park.