Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum
Endangered Animals
Giant Anteater
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Animal Class:
Mammals
Diet:
Omnivore
Status in the Wild:
Endangered
Lap ‘Em Up
The Anteater’s long head conceals a 24-inch-long tongue. Their tongues are covered in spines that point backward and extra-sticky saliva. Their tongues can extend and retract at the rate of 150 times per minute. These adaptations help them devour thousands of ants and termites every day.
Going, Going
Giant Anteaters are threatened by habitat loss, grassland fires, and hunting. This species has undergone a population loss of at least 30% in the last 10 years.
You can see the Giant Anteater near our Wild Dogs of America exhibit.
