Elmwood Zoo Gets Unique New Species

NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo has added a new lodger to its diverse and international crowd.

Chuck, a southern Tamandua — also known as a collared anteater — is from the rainforests and savannas of South America.

Southern Tamanduas are also called "lesser anteaters" because they are smaller than typical anteaters. But they are still quite powerful.

"Although they are little, these guys are mighty fierce climbers," Elmwood said. "Their tongues can measure up to 16 inches long (about the size of a standard bowling pin)! They use them to grab and eat tasty insects."

Chuck will be housed inside the Saki Monkey exhibit in Habitat HQ.

Meanwhile, renovation work continues on the $30 million project to rebuild the zoo's entrance and add a state of the art animal hospital.

Elmwood is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. over the weekend.