New Pantanal Exhibit Opens at Parco Natura Viva Featuring Giant Anteaters, Tapirs and Nandus

Parco Natura Viva in Bussolengo (Verona) has inaugurated a new “Pantanal” habitat of 3,000 square metres, bringing together a pair of giant anteaters, a male and female South American tapir (a father and daughter), and three rhea. The project entered full operation after three months of gradual introductions, with the arrival of the two giant anteaters completing the group.

The enclosure was designed to replicate key features of South America’s tropical wetlands and supports the European campaign “Wetlands for Life.” The animals’ integration was monitored through behavioural observations, including collaboration with the University of Parma under research activities by the Openature Foundation. According to the park’s curator Giorgio Ottolini, the main goal was to guide the animals toward a stable coexistence by respecting each species’ timing and needs; today they share the habitat and independently choose the areas best suited to their daily activities.

In the new setup, the tapir Alba showed particular curiosity, tracking the anteaters’ movements, while the anteaters forage using their long tubular snout and tongue to reach ants and insects even among logs and soil. The tapirs share the water area with the anteaters, whereas the rheas prefer open grassland and keep more distance from the other animals. The real Pantanal—spanning Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay—is threatened by habitat conversion, fires and climate change; all three species are listed by the IUCN as at risk (giant anteater and South American tapir: “Vulnerable”, rhea: “Near Threatened”).
Italian Version