The Nashville Zoo Recently Welcomed The First Spotted Fanaloka To Be Born In The United States

The Nashville Zoo recently made history after welcoming the first rare spotted fanaloka born in the United States.

Fanalokas are small, furry, and adorable carnivorous mammals that are native to Madagascar. Their typical diet consists of reptiles, bird eggs, small mammals, and insects.

And luckily, a pair of fanalokas arrived at the Nashville Zoo just before their male pup entered the world.

He was born on April 29 and declared to be “healthy and alert.” Nonetheless, the Nashville Zoo veterinary staff have been hand-rearing the pup in the zoo’s neonatal care unit.

This family of fanalokas has made waves across the internet since being declared the only members of the fanaloka species to reside in an American AZA facility– also known as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Moreover, the Nashville Zoo has announced plans to breed the species in the states in an effort to conserve the species.

Currently, fanalokas have been declared a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction in Madagascar, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

But, it is clear that Americans nationwide are ecstatic to welcome the rare species.

Nashville Zoo; pictured above is the new fanaloka

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Since sharing the baby’s sweet arrival on Facebook, the Nashville Zoo’s post has gained over eight thousand likes, six thousand shares, and over one thousand comments.

People everywhere have warmly welcomed the pup while commending the Nashville Zoo for its commitment to conservation efforts.

“Absolutely precious. Congratulations! It is so wonderful to help save a species. Hopefully, the American Species Survival Plan and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums will get more zoos involved,” commented one user.

“I love all that you [Nashville Zoo] are doing! It is an amazing and important conservation program– truly a success what you are doing. Congratulations, this little one is so cute!” agreed a second user.

If you would like to visit the brand-new baby fanaloka, he can now be seen by zoogoers. But, his parents will remain behind the scenes for a bit longer.

And to remain updated or view the original Facebook post, visit the Nashville Zoo’s page linked here.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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