Yes, the Cincinnati Zoo is home to aardvarks, which are nocturnal mammals native to central and southern Africa. These unique creatures are part of the zoo’s Night Hunters habitat, where visitors can observe their fascinating behaviors and adaptations.

Aardvark Habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo’s aardvarks reside in the Night Hunters habitat, which they share with other nocturnal species such as giant fruit bats and galagos (also known as bushbabies). This specialized exhibit allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the aardvarks’ nighttime activities, as they are most active during the evening and nighttime hours.

The aardvark’s habitat is designed to mimic their natural environment, with features such as:

• Termite mounds and ant hills for the aardvarks to forage
• Burrows and hiding spots for the aardvarks to rest and shelter
• Vegetation and substrate that provides a suitable living environment

The zoo’s animal care team closely monitors the aardvarks, especially during the critical early stages of a newborn’s life, to ensure the mother does not accidentally harm the infant.

Aardvark Diet and Characteristics

Aardvarks are specialized feeders, with a diet consisting primarily of ants and termites. They use their powerful claws to rip open termite mounds and their long, sticky tongues to lick up the insects. This unique feeding adaptation allows aardvarks to thrive in their native African habitats, where these insects are abundant.

In addition to their specialized feeding habits, aardvarks have several other distinctive characteristics:

• Pig-like snouts that help them sniff out insect nests
• Long, donkey-like ears that aid in detecting predators while foraging
• Thick, coarse fur that provides protection from the elements

These adaptations, along with the aardvark’s nocturnal nature, make them well-suited to their environment and help them survive in the wild.

Aardvark Breeding Program at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo has a successful breeding program for aardvarks, which has resulted in the birth of several healthy offspring over the years. In 2017, the zoo celebrated the birth of a baby aardvark named Winsol, marking the first successful aardvark birth at the zoo since 1994.

The zoo’s animal care team closely monitors the aardvark breeding process and provides specialized care for the newborns to ensure their survival and well-being. This breeding program not only contributes to the conservation of the species but also allows visitors to witness the growth and development of these unique animals.

Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo to See Aardvarks

Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can see the aardvarks in the Night Hunters habitat during the zoo’s regular operating hours, which are typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and visitor age, so it’s best to check the zoo’s website for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to the aardvark exhibit, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as the Home Safari video series, which features the zoo’s aardvarks and other nocturnal animals. These resources provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the aardvark and its role in the ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati Zoo is proud to be home to a thriving population of aardvarks, which are a unique and fascinating species. Visitors to the zoo can observe these nocturnal mammals in their specialized Night Hunters habitat, learning about their adaptations, behaviors, and the zoo’s efforts to conserve and breed these remarkable animals.

References:
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Animals. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Aardvark – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-archive/215443/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (2018, January 5). Cincinnati Zoo’s Aadorable Aardvark Baby to be Named Winsol. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoos-aadorable-aardvark-baby-named-winsol/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (2020, April 6). Home Safari – Aardvark – Cincinnati Zoo – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stn90wf7FyM
– Cincinnati Zoo. (2018, March 21). Cincinnati Zoo’s Aadorable Aardvark Baby Makes Public Debut. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoos-aadorable-aardvark-baby-makes-public-debut/