Southern three-banded armadillos are native to South America, specifically in north-central Argentina, east-central Bolivia, and sections of Brazil and Paraguay. The “three-banded” part of their name comes from the three, distinct “bands” on their shells, which allow this animal to curl up. The three-banded armadillo is the only species that can completely curl into a ball! In Spanish, the word “armadillo” translates to “little armored one.”

These armadillos are brown and have “armor” that covers their head, feet, back, and tail. They also have hair on their stomachs which they use to help detect food and potential predators — that’s very helpful due to their poor eyesight! They have long nails or claws, and they walk on their front toes (their toenails come together to form one large claw). The inner part of their shell is made from bone, while the exterior is layered keratin — the same material your nails and hair are made from!

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Our Current Resident

Dahlia

Dahlia came to the Zoo from Loveland Living Plant Aquarium in Draper, Utah in 2022. Since Dahlia is nocturnal, she may be hard to identify in her habitat during the day, especially because she loves to dig burrows. But if she’s awake and moving around, you can’t miss her — Dahlia often has “the zoomies.”
Her habitat is located inside, directly across from the Zoo’s community room. You can get to know Dahila better and meet her in person through our educational programs! 

Gender: Female

Birthday: Born on May 5, 2021