Aardvark


In the Wild:

Aardvark are the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known. The Aardvark's closest living relatives include tenrecs, hyraxes and elephants! They have no relation to anteaters despite their similar appearances and diet. Unlike other insectivores, it has a long, pig-like snout, which is used to sniff out food. It is a nocturnal feeder and feeds on ants and termites, which it digs out of hill using its sharp claws and powerful legs. It will also dig to create burrows in which to live and rear young. Aardvarks pair only during the breeding season. After a gestation of seven months, one cub weighing around 1.8kg is born during May-July.

Conservation Status:

The Aardvark is part of the European Endangered Species Programme. Many African tribes hunt this animal for its meat and sometimes use its body parts as charms. Other animals, like lions, hyenas and leopards naturally predate them as prey.

VIEW ON OUR MAP

Quick Facts

  • Lifespan: Up to 23 years in captivity
  • Distribution: Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, bushland

MORE OF OUR ANIMALS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

  • The children enjoyed and appreciated all you and your colleagues did – they gave us a lot of helpful and constructive information. Your classroom is looking great – you have created such a lovely inviting place for the children. I filled in a visitors questionnaire today because it was so nice to visit again. Shepreth is a lovely place to be, without trying to sell itself or have that ‘glossy commercial’ look that so many attractions have these days. Its just a very genuine place quietly getting on with lots of good work and, I am sure, creating a very loyal following among all who encounter it – in short, a rare treasure!

  • First Arlesey scout group was very fortunate to have Pete and Lainie from Shepreth Wildlife Park organise an outreach session for the beaver group as part of their animal friend badge. Pete and Lainie’s enthusiasm for nature and child centered approach along with their amazing animals kept a group of 30+, 6-10 years old, engaged for a whole hour. We would be more than delighted to have Pete and Lainie come back and teach our group in the near future and will arrange another trip to Shepreth. I would recommend this type of session to any scout group that wishes to incorporate some wildlife into their programme.

  • Many thanks to ALL, Owain absolutely loved his Experience Keeper Day,  fact that much he wants to do  it again next birthday also,

    So Many Thanks Again to all.

  • This was the third time that we have had the Shepreth outreach team visit us at school and it was an excellent visit as always.  The team arrived on time and set up quickly.  They had brought with them an excellent range of age appropriate animals and they were extremely knowledgeable and informative.  The session was very ‘hands on’ and the staff were sensitive to the needs of the group that they were working with, tailoring questions to suit.  The children all had a wonderful learning experience and were amazed by the animals, they were very excited by the opportunity to touch some extrelmely unusual species.  It was a wonderful afternoon, enjoyed by all, and we will definitely be booking again next year!

Loading...