12/03/2025
Happy World Coatimundi Day!
Coati FAQs
What is that?
This is Rico! He is a South American Coati (Nasua nasua), a tropical member of the raccoon family. In the wild, different species of coati range from the southwestern United States all the way down to Uruguay. Coatis in the wild often associate with human settlements in the same way that raccoons do, becoming accustomed to an easy meal from people who unwisely feed them, especially in high-tourist areas.
If he is a tropical raccoon, why in the world is he in Atlantic County, New Jersey?
Rico was purchased legally as a pet, before ultimately being surrendered due to landlord requirements.
Does he make a good pet?
No! Rico is very sweet and affectionate, but he is also not even a little bit litter trained, and doesn’t especially seem to have an interest in becoming litter trained. He is also incredibly intelligent, and happily starts opening every container he can get his little hands on anytime he gets out of his enclosure. Also, all of us at the rescue are painfully allergic to him. We love him so much, but Rico would have been better off in the wild.
What pet store did Rico originally come from?
Don’t ask us! We aren’t going to tell you. Pet stores should not sell coatis.
Is Rico friendly?
Extremely. It’s difficult to clean his enclosure unless you crate him, because he will bear hug onto your leg while you try to mop up. Part of the reason that Rico would be better off in the wild is that he needs more stimulation and attention than human beings can reasonably give him. We do our best to love on him throughout the day, but he wants to be a part of everything, and that is just not a practical way to live.
What does Rico eat?
A little bit of everything! Coatis are omnivores, and we do our best to support that diet at the rescue. He gets a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as eggs, ferret kibble, and the occasional bit of meat. He also loves to go for (leashed!) walks through the woods on our property, where he forages for bugs to eat under the leaf litter. Recently he has discovered a love for pumpkins as well!
Feel free to ask additional questions in the comments.
