Armadillos' armor & quirks debut in denver zoo series

A three-banded armadillo named Willow is making headlines as the Denver Zoo launches a new monthly series exploring its animal residents. The series, hosted by CBS Colorado meteorologist Alex Lehnert, offers an in-depth look at creatures great and small, starting with the surprisingly charismatic armadillo.

A unique defense mechanism

Animal Care Specialist Kelsey Reynolds selected the armadillo for its distinctive defense: the ability to curl completely into a ball. "They're extremely cute," Reynolds explains. "They're also the only species of armadillo that can curl completely into a ball.". While not native to North America, the nine-banded armadillo is expanding its range northward, benefiting from milder winters.

The armadillo’s armor, composed of a material similar to human fingernails but thicker, provides formidable protection. Reynolds notes that the Animals seem to enjoy being touched and scratched, a fact demonstrated by the zoo's armadillo pair, Willow and Chaco.

Willow, the more outgoing of the two, readily accepts attention, even enjoying belly scratches—a rarity among armadillos. Chaco, in contrast, is considerably shyer.

Beyond their armor and personalities, armadillos possess a peculiar trait: a clicking sound produced by their claws when traversing hard surfaces – a sound some visitors mistake for high heels. This auditory quirk adds another layer to the armadillo's already fascinating profile.

The A-to-Z series promises to delve into the lives of various Animals at the Denver Zoo, offering viewers a closer understanding of their adaptations and behaviors. The next installment will explore another resident, continuing the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. The series underscores the often-overlooked wonders within our own backyards.