Rare baby armadillo thriving at Exotic Zoo

Visitors to Exotic Zoo in Telford have the chance to see one of the zoo's most remarkable new arrivals after the rare birth of a three banded armadillo.

he tiny armadillo is believed by the zoo team to be the first recorded birth of the species in a UK zoo for more than a decade, making it a significant milestone for both the attraction and conservation efforts supporting the species.

The newborn was discovered during routine checks, with no prior indication that mother Melon was expecting. After keepers realised the baby had been rejected, the zoo's animal care team launched an intensive hand rearing programme to give it the best possible chance of survival.

Over the past six weeks, keepers have provided round the clock care, carefully monitoring the youngster's development and recreating the warmth and security it would normally receive from its mother.

Thanks to that specialist care, the young armadillo is now thriving and beginning to show signs of growing independence.

Scott Adams, Director of Exotic Zoo, said: "This is an incredibly special moment for us, but it came with its challenges.

"Three banded armadillos are not only rare in UK collections, but they are also very difficult to breed successfully. When we discovered the baby had been rejected, it was all hands on deck.

"The team have shown unbelievable dedication, providing round the clock care to ensure it survived those critical early weeks."

Native to parts of South America, three banded armadillos are known for their unique ability to roll completely into a ball when threatened. In the wild, the species faces challenges including habitat loss, hunting and illegal wildlife trade.

The successful birth not only highlights the work of the zoo's experienced animal team, but also provides visitors with a rare opportunity to learn more about a species that is seldom seen in UK collections.

Located in the heart of Telford, Exotic Zoo offers close up encounters with a wide variety of animals and conservation focused experiences, making it a popular destination for family days out throughout the year.