The creature weighed 81 grams (3 ounces) at birth, looks like a monster that arrived on our planet from outer space

Sep 24, 2014 18:03 GMT  ·  By
Baby armadillo born at Edinburgh Zoo earlier this year, on August 24
2 photos
   Baby armadillo born at Edinburgh Zoo earlier this year, on August 24

Earlier this year, Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo welcomed a baby southern three-banded armadillo. The tiny creature, a photo of which is available next to this article, looks very much like a monster that arrived on our planet from outer space.

Thus, its body is an odd pink color. What's more, this creature's anatomy allows it to curl into a perfect sphere. In fact, I dare say that, were I to spot such a thing on the ground, I would surely mistake it for a golf ball.

According to Zoo Borns, the baby armadillo was born on August 24 to mom Rio and dad Rodar. At birth, it weighed merely 81 grams (approximately 3 ounces). However, it has since quadrupled in size, and it stands to get significantly bigger in the weeks to come.

Wildlife researchers say this species is native to South America. Thus, their natural habitat encompasses southwestern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

In case anyone was wondering, these animals owe their name to three bands that cover their backs and that make it possible for them to roll into a perfect ball to discourage predators looking to snack on them.

For the time being, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers southern three-banded armadillos to be a near-threatened species.

Photo shows the baby armadillo curled into a ball
Photo shows the baby armadillo curled into a ball

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Baby armadillo born at Edinburgh Zoo earlier this year, on August 24
Photo shows the baby armadillo curled into a ball
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