Meet Dobby, a little baby tamandua who has stolen the hearts of everyone at Parken Zoo. The zoo in Eskilstuna's latest addition is a different animal with a long nose, even longer tongue, poor eyesight and razor-sharp, long claws. Tamanduan, or tree anteater as it is also known, belongs to the hairy invertebrate family.

It was on 23 January this year that Dobby entered the world but unfortunately he did not have an easy start in life. Mum Tamara had a difficult birth and it took a few days for her milk production to start properly. The staff at Parken Zoo had to step in and help Tamara in the early days to support feeding little Dobby at short intervals around the clock. The carers' dedication and love paid off as Dobby gained weight and developed as he should. Mum Tamara was soon able to take over the whole mothering role and today there is no need for support feeding or special care.

-It was an uncertain first time but today Dobby is a big, strong cub and Tamara is as usual a great mum, says Anita Burkevica, veterinarian at Parken Zoo.

The tamanduan, or tree anteater as it is also known, is a hairy invertebrate belonging to the anteater family. They have a very small mouth without teeth and lick their food, which is then crushed in their throat, oesophagus and stomach. They have very poor eyesight but a well-developed sense of smell. Their razor-sharp claws can be used for climbing and defence, but also for breaking up tree trunks and termite nests. They are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to hunting and threats to their habitats. The park zoo participates in the EAZA conservation breeding programme for the species and also works to spread information about them and other animals.

Dobby currently lives with his mum, but he will eventually meet his siblings Maya and Hugo, and his dad Eduardo. He also has older siblings, including Hector and Lola, but they currently live in other zoos where they help to secure the future of their species.

There's a great chance to see Dobby and his family this Easter when the Park has a sneak preview from 13-17 April, before the season premiere on 7 May.

For more information

Louise Nilsberth, zoo teacher 070-086 28 82
Louise.nilsberth@parkenzoo.se