The armadillo has been adopted as the official mascot of the FIFA 2014 World Cup to be hosted by Brazil in about a week’s time. This little creature, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, is native to South America and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.
But did you know that you can find Brazilian and South American animals right in the heart of Pretoria? The National Zoo is home to several species of South American creatures that truly boggle the mind and fascinate the imagination.
Capybaras, anteaters, maned wolves, macaws and parrots right out of scene from the movie “Rio”, and tapirs can all be found at the National Zoo.
Capybaras are the largest living rodents and the word capybara means “master of the grasses.” Capybaras live close to the water in groups of about 20 animals and are excellent swimmers. These creatures are commonly found in Brazil, amongst other neighbouring countries in South America.
Meanwhile, giant anteaters are predominantly nocturnal and tend to be shy little fellows. This elusive animal Giant anteaters lap up thousands of ants and termites daily with their long tongues, but never destroy the insects’ hills or mounds.
Maned wolves are not what one would expect from traditional wolves. They are the largest canine species in South America. What make these animals stand above the crowd is their long legs that tower above the tall grasses that serve as their natural habitat. This enables them to view any potential prey that may be hiding in the grass.
Who doesn’t love a screeching macaw or a precocious parrot? Several species, including the blue-and-yellow macaw, the green-winged macaw and brilliantly coloured scarlet macaw can be found in the zoo’s aviaries. Their numbers are in serious decline due to the illegal pet trade.
Tapirs are interesting creatures to say the least; what with their long snouts and stout striped bodies. The Brazilian or South American tapir is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List mainly due to habitat destruction in the jungles of South America. They are characterised by their long, flexible proboscis-like snouts that helps tapirs grasp leaves, shoots, buds, fruit, and small branches to eat. They are generally nocturnal animals.
But why stop at just viewing these enigmatic Brazilian and South American animals when you can enjoy the spirit of Brazil’s World Cup soccer right on the zoo’s doorstep?
The National Zoo is proud to be screening selected games of the FIFA World Cup 2014 at its Flamingo Restaurant. Naturally, the opening ceremony and the highly-anticipated raucous opening game will be screened to visitors.
Selected games (schedule to be announced) will be screened on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday nights and entrance is only R75.00 per person.
Additional activities to keep young and old will also be available and a fully-stocked cash bar will quench the toughest thirst.
Meals will be sold that celebrate the native dishes of the teams playing at the screenings, so be sure to expect a taste sensation.
Further information can be obtained from our website at www.nzg.ac.za