Being a ‘mom’ to baby anteaters: the most amazing experience of my life

Meet Maria and Joao, the babies I took care of during my time as a volunteer at Criadouro Onça Pintada. One was found next to the dead body of its mom, the other was found in an area devastated by fire and the mom was gone. They were brought to Criadouro Onça Pintada, Brazil. During my time as a volunteer at this rescue centre I took care of these few-month-old giant anteaters, so, for example, I made them special food, fed them three times a day, played with them, cuddled them, weighed them etc. They grew really fast. When they were brought to the centre in the middle of July, each weighed about 3 kg. Two months later, Maria weighed 6.2 kg and Joao 6.7 kg. Maria was about 1.2 m long (head, body, tail). Taking care of them was the most amazing experience in my life. I appreciated every moment I spent with them. They will stay in my heart forever. Anteaters ARE NOT pets! Connect with me: Facebook: (English)