ABILENE, Texas — A Texas zoo has welcomed not one but two baby giant anteaters to its family.
According to KTAB, the Abilene Zoo announced Thursday that first-time mom Demo gave birth to twin pups – one male and one female – on March 28.
“Because it is rare for a giant anteater to give birth to twins and be able to adequately nourish two pups, the Abilene Zoo animal care specialists have kept close watch of mother and babies, weighing the pups daily,” the zoo said in a news release. “It was noted that the female pup was not gaining weight, and the decision was made to hand raise her. While the male pup continues to be with mother Demo, the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams are working towards the goal of reuniting the entire family as soon as the female pup gains weight and achieves critical milestones.”
Although some guests already have been able to spot the male riding on Demo’s back, officials have not yet announced when the female will go on public display, the release said.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources considers giant anteaters vulnerable. About 5,000 live in the wild, zoo officials told KTXS last year.