Roger Williams Park Zoo Welcomes Baby Anteater

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Roger Williams Park Zoo's animal population grew by one this week. The zoo welcomed a new baby giant anteater on Wednesday, born to mom Delilah.

The zoo said that both mom and baby appear to be doing well, so staff are keeping their distance to give them time to bond. Both will stay secluded in their private barn for awhile, allowing the staff to make sure that the baby is nursing properly and gaining strength as it should be.

In the wild, giant anteater dads don't have a role in raising offspring, the zoo said, so their male, Mochila, will be kept separate from Delilah and the baby.

"He will have access to the large exhibit and his own indoor space in the building at the end of the yard next to flamingos," the zoo said. "Mochila prefers to sleep during the day and is most active overnight."

The zoo did not say yet when the baby will be out and about for the public to see.