- Ball-belts rolling in the Munich Zoo
Munich's Hellabrunn Zoo has expanded its collection with a unique species: two armadillos, a male named Gustav and a female named Gerlinde, are the new stars of the coatimundi exhibit. These animals, which can curl into an almost indestructible ball when threatened, are a real asset to the Munich Zoo, the park announced.
The coatimundi exhibit has been comprehensively modernized and expanded over the past few months to meet the needs of the new residents. Visitors can now observe the animals in a spacious outdoor aviary equipped with numerous climbing and hiding opportunities.
Few animals can crack the shell
Armadillos are one of the most fascinating mammals in the world: they are the only ones with an external bony shell. This shell consists of bone plates and keratin and protects them from enemies. Only a few animals, such as the jaguar, can crack the shell. Armadillos are listed as "endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
The coatimundi exhibit is located in the heart of Bavaria, attracting visitors from all over Europe. The new addition of Gustav and Gerlinde, the armadillos, has made the exhibit even more popular among animal lovers.
