New Arrivals Among the Spiny Armadillos

Sir Galahan and Lady Aurora—those are the distinguished names of these very experienced armadillo parents. The zoo’s newest resident is now the couple’s sixth offspring.

Among armadillos, the female is responsible for raising the young. The pair lives together for a maximum of 3 months each year. Aurora lives with her young in the Lisztaffen House, while Sir Galahan spends the rest of the year in the Turtle House.

Armadillos are mostly solitary savanna dwellers that feed primarily on ants and termites. At first glance, they seem almost utopian because of their scaly armor, into which they can curl up when danger threatens. This makes them appear harmless and gives them the appearance of a soccer ball or a honeydew melon.

During the day, they like to retreat into the hay, but nighttime forays are part of their daily—or rather, nightly—routine. The next chance to see the young family and other nocturnal animals in the evening will be exactly one month from now, at the Full Moon Festival on August 21, 2021.