Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions

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Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions

By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management, and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

The name “armadillo” originated from Spanish meaning “armored one.” A perfect fit for these nocturnal tiny tanks. Armadillos are the only mammals in which their skin ossifies, or hardens into bone, forming a permanent bony-plated armor over the shoulders, back and head. This adaptation offers protection from predators and aides in their ability to burrow. While originally from Central and South America, their range of distribution has widened to the southeastern United States.

Armadillos are not picky when it comes to habitat, food, or temperatures, which is why established populations have reached as far north as Colorado and the Carolinas. Unsurprisingly, the nine-banded armadillo is the most common and widespread of all the armadillo species. While not out on exhibit, our new armadillo is currently in training to become an animal ambassador for our education programs.

Nine-banded armadillo

Blue-crowned motmot

Blue-crowned motmot

(Momotus momota)

Twenty subspecies are recognized under the Momotus momota, and all are native to different regions throughout Central and South America. The blue-crowned motmot is highly adaptable and can thrive in many types of environments. Ornithologists, a person who studies birds, have even sighted nests in archaeological ruins. But most motmots will excavate their burrows in earth banks along ravines and gullies. While motmots typically groom themselves by dust bathing, depending on their habitat, motmots will also bathe in falling rain. The beak of the bluecrowned motmot is narrow yet deeply serrated, perfect for digging through leaf litter in search of large invertebrates or other small animals. But they also like flowers and small fruits. You can find these birds in the Lorikeet Aviary in the Australia loop.

Rio Fuerte beaded lizard

(Heloderma horridum exasperatum)

The beaded lizard and its close relation, the Gila monster, are the only species of venomous lizards in the entire world. Naturally located throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, these lizards are large and robust, reaching up to 28 inches in length. While described as having a mild temperament, beaded lizards are very agile when threatened or provoked. Their bite has been reported as extremely painful and sometimes even life-threatening.

Their grip has been compared to that of a bulldog’s tenacity, so it is best to keep your distance if seen in the wild. Their color combinations are often pink, orange or yellow with black depending on the region, but not always. The beaded lizard's coloration and patterns can change as they age as well. See if you can spot these guys in the Lost Temple in the Range of the Jaguar.

Rio Fuerte beaded lizard

October–December 2021

Births & Hatchings

African pancake tortoise.....................................................0.0.2 Atlantic Stingray....................................................................0.0.3 Eastern bongo..........................................................................1.0

Green and black poison arrow frog..................................0.0.2

Prehensile-tailed porcupine...................................................1.0

Acquisitions

BLUE-BILLED CURASSOW.......................................................0.1

Blue-crowned motmot...........................................................2.0 FLORIDA MANATEE.................................................................2.0

Nine-banded armadillo...........................................................0.1

Rio Fuerte beaded lizard ....................................................1.0.1

WALDRAPP IBIS........................................................................2.1West African hadada ibis .......................................................1.1

LEGEND: 0.1.2

• First digit male. Second digit female

• Third digit sex unknown

• Two digits only represent male and female

• CAPS = Endangered Species

• * (Asterisk) = First time at the Zoo

• †(Dagger) = Released back into the wild