19/11/2025
It's World Anteater Day!
Today, 19th November is World Anteater Day. On this day, the world's 4 anteater species are celebrated - the giant anteater, the silky anteater, the northern tamandua and the southern tamandua. This day also raises awreness about anteater conservation.
Trinidad is home to 2 anteater species - the silky anteater and the southern tamandua, with the latter being one of the zoo's resident mammal species.
The southern tamandua, as seen in this video, can weigh up to about 10 pounds. It has a long prehensile tail (for grasping) which can reach up to 15 to 23 inches in length.
The southern tamandua has large, sharp claws on each foot. This animal has adapted to walking on the outside of it's feet to avoid puncturing itself with its claws!
This animal consumes insects including ants. It uses it's long tongue to retrieve it's food.
The southern tamamdua is Protected Species in Trinidad and Tobago.
View our southern tamandua during your next Zoo visit!
