Aardvark

At the Detroit Zoo
The aardvarks can be seen sniffing and digging in their African Grasslands habitat across from the giraffes. Female Rachaael came to the Detroit Zoo in 2005 and was joined by male Baji (short for Mchimbaji, which is Swahili for “one who digs for a living”) in 2008.

Description
The aardvark has a long, narrow snout; powerful claws; a kangaroo-like tail; rabbit-like ears and long, gray, tan and black hair that covers its back and abdomen. It uses its 12-inch, sticky, coiled tongue to catch insects.

Scientific name: Orycteropus afer
Continent: Africa
Habitat: Grassy plains, savannahs and woodlands
Size: 5 feet long
Weight: 100-180 pounds
Diet: The aardvark is an omnivore though its diet consists mainly of insects such as termites and ants. It has been known to eat fruit, such as cucumber plants, to get water.
Reproduction: Gestation eight months; single offspring
Lifespan: 23 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern

FUN FACTS

The aardvark's name comes from the Afrikaans word "earth pig".

The aardvark has poor eyesight and a keen sense of smell, making it well-suited for its nocturnal lifestyle.