NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF SOUTH AFRICA
27 June 2014
NO ARMADILLOS, BUT SOUTH AMERICAN ANIMALS ABOUND IN PRETORIA
The armadillo has been adopted as the official mascot of the FIFA 2014 World Cup to
be hosted by Brazil in about a week’s time. This little creature, the Brazilian threebanded armadillo, is native to South America and is classified as Vulnerable on the
IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.
But did you know that you can find Brazilian and South American animals right in the
heart of Pretoria? The National Zoo is home to several species of South American
creatures that truly boggle the mind and fascinate the imagination.
Capybaras, anteaters, maned wolves, macaws and parrots right out of scene from the
movie “Rio”, and tapirs can all be found at the National Zoo.
Capybaras are the largest living rodents and the word capybara means “master of the
grasses.” Capybaras live close to the water in groups of about 20 animals and are
excellent swimmers. These creatures are commonly found in Brazil, amongst other
neighbouring countries in South America.
Meanwhile, giant anteaters are predominantly nocturnal and tend to be shy little
fellows. This elusive animal Giant anteaters lap up thousands of ants and termites
daily with their long tongues, but never destroy the insects' hills or mounds.
Maned wolves are not what one would expect from traditional wolves. They are the
largest canine species in South America. What make these animals stand above the
crowd is their long legs that tower above the tall grasses that serve as their natural
habitat. This enables them to view any potential prey that may be hiding in the grass.
Who doesn’t love a screeching macaw or a precocious parrot? Several species,
including the blue-and-yellow macaw, the green-winged macaw and brilliantly
coloured scarlet macaw can be found in the zoo’s aviaries. Their numbers are in
serious decline due to the illegal pet trade.
Tapirs are interesting creatures to say the least; what with their long snouts and stout
striped bodies. The Brazilian or South American tapir is listed as Vulnerable on the
IUCN’s Red List mainly due to habitat destruction in the jungles of South America.
They are characterised by their long, flexible proboscis-like snouts that helps tapirs
grasp leaves, shoots, buds, fruit, and small branches to eat. They are generally
nocturnal animals.
But why stop at just viewing these enigmatic Brazilian and South American animals
when you can enjoy the spirit of Brazil’s World Cup soccer right on the zoo’s
doorstep?
The National Zoo is proud to be screening selected games of the FIFA World Cup
2014 at its Flamingo Restaurant. Naturally, the opening ceremony and the highlyanticipated raucous opening game will be screened to visitors.
Selected games (schedule to be announced) will be screened on Fridays, Saturdays
and Sunday nights and entrance is only R75.00 per person.
Additional activities to keep young and old will also be available and a fully-stocked
cash bar will quench the toughest thirst.
Meals will be sold that celebrate the native dishes of the teams playing at the
screenings, so be sure to expect a taste sensation.
Further information can be obtained from our website at www.nzg.ac.za
ISSUED BY: ANGELINé SCHWAN
TEL: 012 339 2705 / 079 998 7715
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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