Dublin Zoo Unveils Giant Anteaters and Six-Banded Armadillo

Dublin Zoo today announced the arrival of two incredible species – the six-banded armadillo and giant anteater who the Irish public can now see on a visit to Ireland’s most popular family attraction.

Ten-year-old female giant anteater Milo and eight-year-old male Junio both arrived from Allwetter Zoo in Germany recently and these impressive animals can be seen enthusiastically exploring their new habitat. The largest of the anteater species, giant anteaters can weigh more than 40kg and grow to more than eight feet long. The IUCN Red List classifies this species as “vulnerable” and the most threatened mammal in Central America, meaning conservation efforts for these animals are vitally important.

Ozzy, the one-year-old six-banded armadillo male has moved in with the white-faced saki in Rainforest House and has settled in quickly following his arrival from Hagenbeck Zoo in Germany. Native to South America, the species gets its name from the six moveable bands of armour that are formed from plates of bone covered in keratin scales. Armadillos are unique for being the only living mammal with this type of shell. While listed as a “least concern” species on the IUCN Red List, six-banded armadillos do encounter threats in the wild from hunters.

To celebrate the arrival of Ozzy, Milo and Junio, Dublin Zoo is launching an exciting competition to find a young Rainforest Ranger. The money-can’t-buy prize will see one lucky child go behind the scenes to learn how amazing animals like Ozzy and his Rainforest House neighbours such as the three-toed sloth, squirrel monkey and leafcutter ants are cared for.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime prize for a budding animal enthusiast and entry is simple. To enter, visit Dublin Zoo across the August Bank Holiday weekend and complete the interactive Rainforest Ranger Trail. Submit your completed trail entry when exiting the Zoo to enter the competition and give your child a chance of winning this money-can’t-buy prize.

There are plenty more reasons to visit Dublin Zoo this August Bank Holiday weekend. The Rainforest Takeover will see a range of exciting family activities taking place including a DJ set and themed games on the Great Lawn, rainforest themed arts & crafts and face painting in the Farmhouse and many more rainforest-themed activities and special spot prizes up for grabs! All of these activities are included in the price of the regular Dublin Zoo ticket.

Eddie O’Brien, Team Leader at Dublin Zoo said:

“It’s a really exciting time at Dublin Zoo with the arrival of Ozzy the six-banded armadillo and Milo and Junio, our two giant anteaters. Visitors are going to be enchanted by these wonderfully interesting creatures, and we strongly encourage people to come along to welcome them to their new Dublin Zoo home.

“As a keeper for more than 40 years myself, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous passion children have for the animals here at Dublin Zoo, and I have no doubt that there will be huge interest in the Rainforest Ranger competition. We can’t wait to welcome the winner into Dublin Zoo to get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes at Rainforest House!”