A couscous and two echidnas arrived at the Moscow Zoo's small mammal laboratory department, while the new animals were brought into the office premises, where they became familiar under the supervision of zoologists; Visitors will be able to see them after adjustments and preparations for the exhibition. This was reported on the official website of the capital's mayor.
“These rare animals are not often found in zoos in Eurasia and are not present in other zoos and nurseries in Russia. We are pleased to announce that the zoo's collection has been replenished with exotic animals – couscous and echidnas. We already have experience in raising such Australian residents and now we have the opportunity to continue research work with these species,” the statement quoted Svetlana as saying Akulova, General Director of Moscow Zoo, said.
The striped Cuscus is a large marsupial that lives in the tropical forests of Australia and the islands of Oceania. Its outstanding features are its thick fur, prehensile tail, and ability to climb trees proficiently. Couscous spends almost his entire life on tree branches, falling to the ground only in exceptional cases. During the day, the couscous sleeps in a hollow, and at night it walks leisurely in search of fruits, leaves and sometimes insects. Moscow Zoo had successful experience in raising these animals about 10 years ago. The relative who arrived was a woman. Australian echidnas are one of the most unusual mammals on the planet. Appearing like a hedgehog with a long nose, this animal has the unique ability to detect electric field fluctuations that its prey (worms, insects) create underground. Only the echidna and its relatives – the echidna and the platypus – have such a rare gift.
Echidnas lead a secretive lifestyle and spend a lot of time buried underground. Raising them is challenging because they require special humidity and temperature as well as special nutrition. Moscow Zoo has prepared a special diet for them based on a nutritional mixture, earthworms and ant eggs. The echidna is a land animal, although if necessary, it is capable of swimming and crossing quite large bodies of water. It lives in any landscape with enough food, from rain forests to deserts. Echidnas can be found in mountainous areas, where there is snow all year round, on agricultural lands and even on the outskirts of the capital.
Moscow Zoo is considered one of the leading and authoritative zoological establishments not only in Russia but also in the world. The school's 161-year history is testament to its commitment to science, education and wildlife conservation. During this time, the zoo grew from a zoo where exotic animals were displayed to a major research, conservation, and educational center.
