Meet Franklin: Roger Williams Park Zoo Welcomes Newest Addition

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Roger Williams Park Zoo welcomed another new addition, a baby tamandua named Franklin. The baby and his mother are behind the scenes at this time, not yet on display to the public.

Tamandua are a type of anteater native to South America. There are two types: northern and southern.

Franklin is growing and gaining strength by the day, zoo staff said, after several "critical weeks." During that time, he needed extra feedings and monitoring to ensure his survival. He was named in memory of his father, and is spending time bonding with his mother, Carina.

The zoo welcomed several new babies this year, including the first Chilean flamingo chick in more than two decades and Beany the baby sloth, named in a fundraising contest.