First public weighing of the young armadillos at Chemnitz Zoo
Press/photo opportunity: Wednesday, 15 March, 2 pm, meeting point at the marmoset house
On 21 February, a cub was born to the ball armadillos at Chemnitz Zoo. The (presumably male) cub is developing well so far and will now be weighed in public for the first time tomorrow at 2 pm.
The weekly weighing of the adult animals has been taking place for several years now. As it is not easy to see changes in an armadillo's weight, regular weight checks are important for assessing its health and also for recognising a pregnancy.
Armadillos mainly inhabit dry forests and scrubland in South America. They feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates and also eat fruit. The animals can curl up into a ball when in danger, with the forehead plate and solid tail closing the opening of the carapace.
The species kept at the zoo is the southern spherical armadillo. The male came to Chemnitz from Dresden Zoo in 2012 and the female from Dortmund Zoo in 2016. Shortly before the birth, the parents were separated so as not to jeopardise the offspring with the male. Now, for the first time, a cub is growing up here.
Opening hours of the zoo in March:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission 4 p.m.