CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There's a new addition on display in Brookfield Zoo's Tropic World: South America habitat.
Brookfield Zoo welcomed the birth of a male giant anteater pup on Dec. 15, 2018 and can now he can be viewed by the public.
Giant anteaters are the largest of four anteater species. They typically weigh between 40 to 100 pounds; and can be identified by their long, narrow heads, 2-foot-long tongues, and long, bushy tails. At birth, pups are born with a full coat of hair to allow them to camouflage with their mothers. The species is native throughout tropical areas of Central and South America, but are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, road kills, hunting, and wildfires, the zoo said in a statement.
Brookfield Zoo is one of 63 accredited North American zoos to have giant anteaters. The zoo has been caring for the species since 1958. For a schedule of when the pup can be seen, visit CZS.org/AnteaterPup.