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Unusual addition to Bristol Zoo Gardens

 

A new addition has been made to Bristol Zoo Gardens in the form of Archie, a six-banded South American armadillo.

 

Jane Haakonsson with Archie the ArmadilloTwo year old Archie is the newest member of Bristol Zoo's expanding group of animals taking part in the daily Amazing Animals displays on the main lawn.

 

 

The displays allow visitors to see owls, parrots, lemurs, ferrets, hawks - and now also Archie - moving freely outdoors. The animals only demonstrate natural behaviour, allowing visitors to appreciate their innate abilities and beauty.

 

Visitors can now see Archie in the Amazing Animals display daily at midday or 2pm on the Zoo's west lawn. Archie is currently the only armadillo at Bristol Zoo Gardens and the species is usually solitary.

 

"We are delighted to have Archie join us," said Rick Newton, presentations manager at Bristol Zoo Gardens, "He is a superb addition to the displays and a real ambassador for his species."

 

Jane Haakonsson, one of the keepers who cares for Archie, said: "Archie is by far the most surreal-looking animal at the Zoo, he continues to amaze me. He is truly worth watching and by far my favourite animal at Bristol Zoo."

 

The six-banded armadillo is found in the dry savannah and grasslands of Brazil and Argentina, and is named for the six horizontal bands across the shell on its back. These bands allow some flexibility of movement, but the species is not able to curl into a complete ball like other types of armadillo.