Edinburgh Zoo welcomes SNOUTstanding giant anteater pup

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a curious new giant anteater pup.  Born on Sunday 5 April to parents Gizmo and Zeferino, the youngster has affectionately been named Snoot by the wildlife conservation charity.  

Snoot can be spotted enjoying the spring sun while riding on mum’s back as they explore their hilltop habitat together. The species carries its young piggy-back style for up to 10 months, offering protection from predators, camouflage while foraging and as a bonding technique.

Helen Martin, senior carnivore keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “With the warmer weather we are having in Edinburgh we are excited for visitors to see little Snoot exploring their habitat with mum, all while hitching a ride on her back. It is amazing to witness.

“We’ll soon find out if Snoot is a boy or a girl once they have their first health-check from our vet team in a couple of weeks. Snoot’s little personality is already starting to shine, and we can already tell just how sweet and shy they are.”

As well as being part of the European breeding programme for giant anteaters, RZSS has worked with Dr Arnaud Desbiez and his team at the Wildlife Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil for over a decade to safeguard giant anteaters and their rapidly disappearing habitat.

Helen added: “It is wonderful to have our own little ambassador for this vulnerable species right here in Edinburgh. Being able to allow our visitors to see these remarkable animals up close and create connections with Snoot and her parents helps raise awareness of the challenges the species faces in the wild.”

Every visit to Edinburgh Zoo directly supports giant anteater conservation in the wild.

Book online and save to see Snoot!