North Florida Wildlife Center gives us a look inside the giant anteater exhibit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The North Florida Wildlife Center, located in Jefferson County, is home to a variety of different species.

From lemurs to kangaroos, NFWC has something for everyone.

WCTV had the chance to meet one of the center’s big draws: an endangered giant anteater.

“These animals are an endangered species, native to Central and South America,” said executive director Ryan Reines. “They are extinct in several countries where they are normally native.”

There’s certainly nothing small about Bumi, from his long, rough tail to his nose and 2-foot-long tongue, all of which serve a function in the wild.

“Normally in the wild, these animals eat exclusively ants and termites, using their super-long tongue and using their super-powerful claws to tear apart those hard mounds of termites and ants,” Reines said.

Visitors to the nonprofit can have the opportunity to feed Bumi, which Reines said is a very unique experience.

“We are one of the few facilities on the planet that allows visitors to interact with the giant anteater in this way,” Reines said.

The center said they hope to expand Bumi’s exhibit and add a female to the mix in the coming months.

Those interested in supporting the center can stop by Blaze Pizza on August 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A portion of their sales will go to the center.

NFWC invites the public to join in on its 4th anniversary celebration on September 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will experience animal encounters, free goat feeding, free face painting and more.

Also, don’t forget to keep up with the latest happenings at the Florida Wildlife Center on their TikTok.

For more information about the North Florida Wildlife Center, click here.

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