Rescued anteater in Verón to be exhibited at National Zoo after recovery

 La Altagracia.- An anteater rescued last Monday while crossing a street in Verón, La Altagracia, will soon be on public display at the National Zoological Park, likely next week. Nayib Emilio Aude Díaz, the park’s director, explained that the animal’s origin is unknown, as there are no records of its entry with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. It is suspected to have arrived smuggled or as a stowaway.

Aude Díaz noted that the anteater arrived underweight, dehydrated, and stressed, and underwent a recovery period in quarantine. The team is also searching for a potential mate for the animal. Anteaters, part of the order Pilosa, are native to South and Central America and are recognized for their elongated snouts and specialized tongues adapted to feeding on ants and termites.

These mammals play an important ecological role by controlling insect populations, aerating soil through their foraging, and contributing to ecosystem health. Their presence underscores the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of species within natural habitats.