Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Seek Help To Name Anteater

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 14, 2022 12:28 am

The giant anteater born in June 2021 at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo clings to mom

Photo Credit: Jack Bradley

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo are seeking help to name their giant anteater infant born in June 2021. The zoo had been waiting for confirmation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Anteater Advisory Group as to the gender of the infant.

In December the Anteater Advisory Group confirmed that the pup is a girl.

From now through Friday January 21st 2022 the zoo are accepting votes on a name for the infant from a list of three individuals.

The names which have been selected are.

• Andarilho: Portuguese for “wanderer”
• Corajosa: Portuguese for brave, bold, valiant
• Chili: A small hot-tasting pod of a variety of capsicum, used in sauces and relishes.

Cast your vote on the Beardsley Zoo website here – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

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Unlike most mammals the giant anteater is difficult to sex using external characteristics. It is exciting for the zoo to determine that the infant is a female. The captive population is heavily skewed towards males more than females.

“We couldn’t be happier that our Giant anteater baby is a girl, important for the continuation of this vulnerable species,” explained Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Now we’re asking the public to help choose her name. Voting is free on our website at beardsleyzoo.org.”

Born after a 75 day gestation period the infant is increasingly independent. While she still takes the occasional ride on her mother’s back she will spend more time walking on her own.

She is now fed a smoothie formed from a mixture of grain and water. This is the same formulation used for her parents.

This is the third anteater infant born to parents, dad, E.O., and fourth time mom, Pana. Their first infant was born in 2016.

Learn more about Giant Anteaters here – Giant Anteater Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on their website – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo