We had never heard of a pangolin until we watched this Brain Scoop video by Emily and the team at the Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum at The University of Montana. A quick search turned up this fascinating video by NatGeo Wild, which shows how this prehistoric-looking mammal walks on its hind legs, showing off its keratin scales, large tail, and huge front claws.
There are eight species of pangolins found throughout Africa and Asia. They are closely related to Xenarthrans – anteaters, armadillos, and sloths. Pangolins are mostly nocturnal. Some can hang from trees using their tails. Some sleep rolled up. Their reeeeeally long tongue helps them eat ants and termites.
There is a white-bellied tree pangolin living at the San Diego Zoo. You can watch an official zoo video about him:
…or watch this more personal introduction:
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