Nashville Zoo Opens New South American Habitat With Capybara Pups, Giant Anteater

photo courtsy of Nashville Zoo Nashville Zoo opened a new South American multi-species habitat on Friday, Sept. 4, featuring capybara pups Andouille and Brie, a giant anteater, three common rhea and two crested screamers. More Tennessee Event Venue News The new exhibit is located in the former tapir habitat, just past Flamingo Lagoon. Guests can now see the capybaras and crested screamers; the giant anteater and common rhea will be introduced gradually as they acclimate to the space. The redesigned habitat was created to resemble a South American grassland and includes artificial termite mounds, expanded foraging areas, a modified pool and a remodeled bridge with glass panels to improve visibility and accessibility. 'By housing compatible species together, we created a more dynamic experience for both the animals and our guests,' said Nashville Zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz. 'The new habitat illustrates the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems and allows us to tell a more complete conservation story.' The habitat also supports Nashville Zoo's ongoing work with giant anteaters. The zoo is home to the largest collection of captive giant anteaters in the United States and has welcomed 19 births at its off-exhibit breeding facility since 2001. Giant anteaters are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to threats including habitat loss, hunting, dog attacks and vehicle collisions. For more information on Nashville Zoo and its conservation efforts, please visit www.nashvillezoo.org/ conservation . Share on Facebook Tweet Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter