Tamandu-what?? Tamanduá is Portugese for “anteater”, and on November 29, Busch Gardens will be celebrating World Tamandua Day! We’ll be hosting our celebration at the Animal Care Center, where guests can meet Sati, our Southern Tamandua, and some of her South American friends!
Meet Sati!
The Southern Tamandua, also known as the collared or lesser anteater. She is one of four species of anteaters. As the name implies, these animals love to eat ants - up to 9,000 a day in fact!
As residents of South America, Southern Tamanduas live primarily in trees, using their strong claws and prehensile tails to hold tight to branches. Although Southern Tamanduas are relatively common, they are threatened by illegal pet trade and are occasionally hunted by locals for food. Fortunately, the Panamerican Conservation Association (or APPC) is playing an active role in combating these threats. Since support began in 2006 from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, the APPC has seen the rescue, rehabilitation and release of over 2,000 animals, including tamanduas, silky anteaters, and even sloths!
Celebrate at the Animal Care Center!
Throughout the afternoon, the Animal Care Center will host a variety of World Tamandua Day activities! Activities will include:
- Animal interactions with Sati and several other South American animal ambassadors
- Nutrition segment with Zoo Nutritionist Dr. Heidi (with the help of several animal co-stars, of course!)
- Tamandua enrichment party
So be sure to mark your calendars on November 29 and come help us celebrate the first ever World Tamandua Day right here at Busch Gardens!
