For the very experienced parents, Aurora and Sir Galahan, this is already their fifth litter. The pair lives together for a maximum of 3 months; after that, the female takes care of raising the young. While Mom Armadillo lives with the newborn in the Liszt Primate House, Dad Armadillo 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 due to 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.

“When danger threatens, they curl up in a ball at lightning speed and are well protected by bony plates and horn-like scales,” says veterinarian and zoological director Dr. Reinhard Pichler, adding: “Between the shoulder and pelvic plates are belt-shaped armor strips connected by skin folds, which provide optimal mobility.”

Although this species is nocturnal, the mother and her young also take short walks during the day, and with a little luck, visitors can get a good look at them.