Zoo Update: Baby Armadillo Born at the Ark

Here’s what the zoo staff shared with me about this new pup:

If you’ve visited before, you may have seen Pebbles and Boulder performing on their respective stages during animal programs. Our talented staff conduct live animal programs most days at both the Ark Encounter Zoo and Creation Museum.

Three-banded armadillos are unique among their kind because they are capable of volvation—the ability to completely roll into a ball.

Three-banded armadillos are unique among their kind because they are capable of volvation—the ability to completely roll into a ball.

This species is declining in the wild, so the birth is valuable. Little research has been done about their reproduction, so this has also been an excellent learning opportunity.

Pups are born after a ~120-day gestation and weigh an average of 85 grams at birth, which is half the weight of a billiard ball. Their shells are soft when they are born and don’t harden until about three months of age.

Gravel has been growing at a steady rate and has started wandering its habitat while remaining close to Pebbles and her nest. Only females raise the pups, so Boulder is not involved. The zoo team was finally able to determine the pup’s gender this past week, and it’s a boy!

Gravel will eventually become an animal ambassador like his parents, teaching guests about biblical truth and godly stewardship.

Guests love visiting our attractions and meeting the animals in our zoos. Our Creation Museum zoo is currently under construction, and we’re very excited for when it opens. Guests will love the wallaby walkabout and new teaching stage for animal programs, including our armadillos.

Plan your visit today at ArkEncounter.com and CreationMuseum.org.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.