An anteater, recently rescued while crossing a street in Verón, La Altagracia, is set to make its public debut at the National Zoological Park as early as next week. Nayib Emilio Aude Díaz, the park’s director, revealed that the animal’s origins remain a mystery, as there are no official records of its entry with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Authorities suspect it may have been smuggled or arrived as a stowaway. Upon its arrival, the anteater was found to be underweight, dehydrated, and stressed, prompting immediate medical attention and a quarantine period for recovery. The zoo team is now actively searching for a potential mate to ensure the animal’s long-term well-being. Belonging to the order Pilosa, anteaters are native to South and Central America and are renowned for their distinctive elongated snouts and specialized tongues, which are perfectly adapted for feeding on ants and termites. Beyond their unique physical traits, these mammals play a vital ecological role by regulating insect populations, aerating soil through their foraging activities, and contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. Their presence highlights the critical importance of biodiversity and the intricate connections between species within natural habitats.
Rescued anteater in Verón to be exhibited at National Zoo after recovery
