DENVER -- Congratulations are in order for Winnie, the southern tamandua, who is expecting a baby -- marking the Denver Zoo's first tamandua birth in more than 10 years.
The zoo posted the exciting announcement to social media, with the lucky parents showing off the ultrasound that proved the pregnancy. The zoo said it is thrilled to welcome a new addition to its animal family.
The seven-year-old is part of the zoo's participation in the Southern Tamandua Species Survival Plan, a program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals in human care.
Winnie moved to the Denver Zoo in 2018 after a breeding recommendation with another tamandua named Laird, though that pairing didn't result in offspring. Earlier this year, the plan's coordinators recommended a new match -- Santiago, who came from the Nashville Zoo. That partnership proved successful, and an ultrasound in October confirmed Winnie's pregnancy.
According to the zoo, Winnie is trained to take part in her own healthcare, including receiving voluntary injections and ultrasounds. It was during one of those regular veterinary checks that the zoo's medical team discovered the pregnancy.
"As long as the weather is nice, guests might even spot Winnie out on her iconic walks," the zoo said in a post, noting that the gentle exercise helps keep the expectant mother fit.
Tamanduas typically give birth to a single baby, and Winnie is expected to welcome her new arrival early next year.