Gordita the Armadillo

(June 2011)

Gordita the Armadillo

The Zoo has added a female armadillo named Gordita to its collection. She was born at the Cincinnati Zoo on September 1, 2008. Zookeepers report Gordita is not at all shy; she is inquisitive, active and friendly.

Armadillos are native to Latin America and are close relatives to the anteater and sloth. The word armadillo is Spanish, meaning, “little armored one,” which refers to the bony plates that cover its head, back, legs and tail.

In general, armadillos have poor eyesight so they rely on their strong sense of smell to find their food, which include wax worms, bugs and some fruits and vegetables.

Gordita is now on exhibit with our male armadillo, Zorro, and keepers are hopeful for future babies from the pair.