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Admission Membership
Admission Membership

Opening weekend for Erb Discovery Trails is expected to be busy May 22–25. Pre-purchased tickets and member reservations are strongly encouraged.  Zoo parking may fill early. Learn More

Aardvark

(Orycteropus afer)

Four aardvarks call the Detroit Zoo home. Rachaael arrived in 2005 and was joined by Baji shortly after. Rachaael gave birth to Roxaanne in 2011 and Kaatie in 2014. Aardvarks use their long snouts, powerful claws, and sticky, coiled tongues to catch insects.

On Habitat

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Quick Facts

Habitat: African Grasslands

Class: Mammals

Conservation Status: Least concern

Size: 5 feet long

Weight: 100 to 180 pounds

Median life expectancy: 11 years

Diet: Mostly insects, such as termites and ants, along with some fruits