LOOK AT THAT LITTLE RED-RUMPED AGOUTI BOOTY - PHOTO VIA ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
The Orlando Science Center (Website) has just welcomed a baby red-rumped agouti into its newly launched Life exhibit.
Native to the forests of South America, the red-rumped agouti plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser, and is notably the only mammal in Brazil capable of cracking open Brazil nuts, which helps sustain forest regeneration. Like little furry tree planters. Between us, they look like squirrel/guinea pigs.
The Life exhibit opened in April 2024 and is the Orlando Science Center’s most ambitious addition in years. A multimillion-dollar renovation reimagined the former KidsTown space to showcase three interactive ecosystems: Ocean, Rainforest, and Swamp. It’s also central to the Center’s conservation mission, bringing 300 new live animals and immersive habitats to life.
While the baby is currently living in the rainforest habitat, the Science Center plans to relocate the juvenile to another accredited facility once it’s ready to breed, in about six months. That aligns with established best practices under the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
