The Newest Family Member: Zed the Coatimundi
Meet the latest addition to the family
.... Zed the Coatimundi!
Zed is a fun-loving 12-week-old White-Nosed Coati who loves to travel and enjoy life. From learning tricks, going for runs on his harness, travelling to educational events, to digging in the beach sand... I have compiled many of Zed's favourite activities into this collection of clips. This little dude LOVES adventure! I hope you enjoy his crazy antics. :)
Some info about his species:
The White-nosed Coati (nasua narica) is a medium-sized mammal indigenous to
Central America,
Mexico, and the southwestern
United States (
Arizona,
Texas, and
New Mexico). They are large members of the family Procyonidae (the raccoon family), with the males growing to be as heavy as 27 lbs at maturity while the females are usually between 6 and 13 lbs. The name "coati" (pronounced ko-WAH-tee) is derived from the
Tupi term "akwa'tim", meaning "pointy nose". The coati's nose is incredibly flexible and is able to bend 60 degrees in any direction. They use their nose, coupled with their powerful and heavily-clawed paws, to forage for grubs and insects in the earth. A coati's diet includes grubs, insects, tarantulas, reptile and bird eggs, fruits, and any small vertebrates they can catch. Coatis are the only procyonid that is diurnal by nature; namely, they are most active during the day.
Female coatis and their young form bands of
30-40 individuals while male coatis live solitary lives, only joining other coatis for breeding. These lone male coatis are called "coatimundis". White-nosed Coatis are listed as "
Least Concern" by the
IUCN Red List and are abundant in the wild.
Note to viewers:
Zed is an educational animal ambassador and travels with
Shorty, the rats, and a bevy of other animals to schools, camps, etc. doing educational presentations.
I am a professional animal handler and have over a decade's experience working with animals, both wild and domestic. In no way do coatis' behaviour resemble a cat or dog's, and they are incredibly high-maintenance and destructive animals that can be difficult to handle especially as adults. You may think Zed is cute, but coatis do not have the same "pet quality" as dogs and cats and should only be in the hands of expert keepers. If you think you want a pet coati after watching Zed's video, please understand that these clips do not at all capture what it is like to live with this species. Coatis need all of your time and attention and will steal and destroy your belongings, can be temperamental, and are like living with a two-year-old child on caffeine (with sharp teeth and claws, and incredible jumping abilities) for their entire lives, which is around 15-20 years. As well, they can become very aggressive if they are not given the attention that they need. If you have fallen in love with coatis through Zed's video and are thinking, "I want one!",
it may be best for you to just vicariously own one through Zed's videos. Coatis are an enormous commitment and are NOT an animal you can purchase on a whim.
Additional info about Zed:
Zed was NOT taken from the wild. He is a captive-born coati, as were his parents, his parents' parents, etc., just like your pet hamster. Acquiring a captive-born exotic animal species does not in any way support poaching/smuggling, in the same way acquiring a puppy from a reputable dog breeder does not support puppy mills. I work extensively to educate the public on coatis in the wild, and I vehemently oppose poaching and the illegal smuggling of wildlife.
To those wondering about his leash: Zed is currently in recall training.
Once he has mastered a solid recall, he will be off-leash 24/7 like my other animals.
Music by
Josh Woodward: https://www.joshwoodward.com/
Our official website:
http://www.useyourclicker.com/
Our official blog: http://nanabordercollie.blogspot.com/
Our photos on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanabordercollie/
Our facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amazing-Animal-Tricks/617175718326361