Coatis are expert diggers, and these guys wasted no time clawing through the dirt in their future home.

Following the expansion of our white-nosed coati habitat earlier this year, one male and two female coatis have moved into their new home at the Zoo.

The yet-to-be-named youngsters (who were born at a private facility in Texas in May) are new founders for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ White-Nosed Coati Species Survival Plan, which is managed by our general curator, Lauren Hinson. The goal of a Species Survival Plan is to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse populations for select at-risk, threatened or endangered species.

The trio has moved into one side of the coati habitat while geriatric females Katie and Lupita remain on the other side. Eventually, all four females will be grouped together and the male will live independently.

White-nosed coatis are highly adaptable animals that can be found in rainforests, grasslands and deserts ranging from northern South America up to Arizona. As adults, males are typically solitary, and females live in groups called “bands.”

Wild populations of this species are decreasing due to large-scale habitat loss and in some areas, hunting.

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.