NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Nashville Zoo has added an adorable sibling duo to a growing group of baby animals at their nursery.

According to zoo officials, the brother-sister pair of aardwolf pups were born at the Safari Wild Animal Park and Reserve (SWAP&P) in Como, Mississippi. Now, at just 14 weeks old, the siblings have arrived at Nashville Zoo, making the zoo one of just a few institutions caring for the elusive species.

Aardwolves have reportedly been difficult to breed and raise, with only a few existing in the United States. However, due to Nashville Zoo's "extensive expertise in raising carnivores," SWAP&P in Mississippi reached out to the zoo for help.

"Being entrusted with these aardwolf pups is both an honor and responsibility," said Dr. Heather Schwartz, Director of Animal Health at Nashville Zoo. “Aardwolves are rarely seen in zoos and very little is known about them, so it’s a privilege to provide the specialized care they need. Their presence not only helps secure a future for aardwolves under human care but also allows our guests to connect with a species most have never encountered.” 

The species are native to southern and eastern Africa and closely resemble the striped hyena, with long muzzles, pointed ears and black stripes on gold fur.

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, aardwolves are listed as "least concern," with thriving populations throughout many national parks and reserves. However, officials said the loss of habitat due to human development can be problematic to aardwolves, especially when the termite mounds that they rely on for food are destroyed.

The public can begin viewing the aardwolf pups on Friday, Sept. 5, at the zoo's HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center. Zoo officials said the siblings join a group of baby animals at the nursery, including a newborn fanaloka pup and three clouded leopard cubs.

To learn more about the care animals receive at Nashville Zoo's veterinary center, follow this link.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/nashville-zoo/aardwolf-pups-join-nursey-at-nashville-zoo/