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[feline groovy]

Prague Zoo’s New Aardvark on Exhibit with Mom May 14, 2018

Prague Zoo announced that visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of the zoo’s new baby Aardvark. The cub was born on April 22 and will now be on-exhibit, with mom, for a few hours each day.

The Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal that is native to Africa. Elephant Shrews, Hyraxes, and Elephants are among the closest living relatives of the Aardvark.

It has a long pig-like snout, which is used to sniff out food. It is a nocturnal feeder and subsists mainly on ants and termites, which it will dig out of their hills using its sharp claws and powerful legs.

The Aardvark also digs to create burrows in which to live and rear its young.

After a gestation of about seven months, females generally give birth to one cub. At around nine weeks of age, the youngster is able to leave the burrow to accompany mother in search of food.

Although they are not considered common anywhere in Africa, their large range allows them to maintain sufficient numbers. The IUCN currently classifies the Aardvark as “Least Concern”; however, they are a species in a precarious situation. Since they are so dependent on such a specific food source, if a problem arises with the population of termites, the species as a whole would be affected drastically.

[makena]

He's so ugly he's cute!

[OKPrincess]

Yes he’s so ugly he’s cute.

[luvzchiz]

Sweetness. 

[feline groovy]

Looks like an adorable little girl to me.  8)

[butterfly123]

@feline groovy

Very interesting article. Uniquely beautiful mom and baby. 

Thank you

[Sweet Caroline 1]

Pink and brand new!  Love looking at the eyes of new baby animals.  So sweet, thanks for the pictures... 

[phoenixbrd]

Awwwwww....that is just the cutest little girl!  Animals just want to love/be loved

Thanks for posting this special event @feline groovy

[Jk9]

Oh my, what a gorgeous creature. I  had forgotten what hey look like. Thanks for sharing @feline groovy. Would love to feel that tender skin and snout. Sigh, I am smitten.

[cbrite]

DARLING BABY 😇 @feline groovy