Video: Baby Aardvark 'Ugly Cute,' Caregivers Say

A bouncing baby aardvark born at Busch Gardens Tampa recently doesn’t quite have a face that only a mother can love, but it’s close.

Animal caregivers at the theme park say the creature might be unusual looking, but it’s stealing their hearts. Born Sept. 18, the critter is described as healthy and it is being well cared for by its mother, Izzy. The park’s animal team, however, is more than happy to swoop in nightly to give Izzy a break from the baby-care routine.

“While mother Izzy forages at night, the Busch Gardens animal care team bottle feeds the baby and monitors its health through routine check-ups,” the park said in a media release. The newborn’s arrival marks the fifth successful birth at the park. It’s also part of the park’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Newborn aardvarks are often called “ugly cute,” the park explained. It seems they’re born with extra-long noses, large floppy ears and wrinkly skin that’s hairless. After about two weeks, the folds of skin start to disappear and around three weeks after birth those floppy ears start to stand up.

The baby’s sex hasn’t been determined just yet. That should happen in the next few weeks, park officials say. A name will be announced soon, as well.

While mom and baby are not yet on display, the park says the baby will soon become part of Busch Gardens’ animal ambassador program. That program helps teach guests about different species of animals.

To keep up with the baby’s growth, check out Busch Gardens’ YouTube channel.

Aardvarks are found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara desert, National Geographic explains. The animals have a lifespan of about 23 years and are nocturnal. The creatures’ tongues can grow up to 12 inches in length and are sticky by design to help them pull termites from the ground.

Photos courtesy of Busch Gardens