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Animals galore: Hungarian zoos welcome bears, newborn armadillo, impala calf
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Three Hungarian zoos welcomed new animals in the first weeks of spring. In Szeged, a three-banded armadillo was born, while visitors of Veszprém Zoo can soon meet the newborn impala baby, and Budakeszi Zoo has two brown bears again.
A southern three-banded armadillo was born in the Szeged Zoo, hirado.hu reports. The zoo has been keeping three-banded armadillos since 2011, and the animals previously born there have found homes in other European zoos.
The curious-looking mammal belongs to the same family as giant anteaters and two-toed sloths. It uses its armour as a defence mechanism, rolling into a ball when threatened. It eats primarily insects, including ants and termites. Although it is not yet endangered, in recent years, habitat loss and poaching has led to a decline of population in its natural habitat of South-America.
In October last year, when the latest armadillo was born, the Szeged zookeepers decided to help the animal to get accustomed to human touch, and not to snap its armour shut immediately. The young armadillo has become quite brave and allows visitors to touch its armour.
An impala calf was born in the Veszprém Zoo, sokszinuvidek.24.hu writes. The calf is the first newborn in the African savannah enclosure this year. The mother and the calf are both healthy, and the calf will be introduced to the public in a few weeks’ time.
