This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
LA Zoo Introduces Its First Tamandua Pup
The first ever tamandua pup at the L.A. Zoo.
(
Los Angeles Zoo
)
Topline:
First-time parents Micah and Lou are celebrating the birth of their bundle of joy: an unnamed tamandua pup, which is a first at the Los Angeles Zoo. Tamanduas are smaller anteaters with a tapered head, long, wet nose and pointy tongue.
The birth: “This is a significant birth for the Zoo,” said Mallory Peebles, senior animal keeper at the Los Angeles Zoo. “This is the first time L.A. Zoo visitors will have the opportunity to see the species as a neonate and observe its development over time.”
Micah and Lou were paired together on the recommendation of the Southern Tamandua Species Survival Plan. Even though the species, native to South America, is not currently threatened, human activities like deforestation and road development are threatening their natural habitats.
Micah and pup are recovering well, with Micah taking to motherhood and being spotted cuddling her baby and carrying the pup on her back. Tamanduas often carry their pups on their backs in the first few months. Pups reach sexual maturity in one year, and then they leave the nest.
The pregnancy: Micah’s pregnancy lasted 164 days — typically a gestation period can be between 130 to 190 days. Micah didn’t mind the cold ultrasound gel, allowing veterinarians to perform exams without the need for sedation. This allowed the care team to monitor Micah’s health as well as the pup’s development.
For visitors: You can observe the new family at the nursery next to the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
