February 2, 2026, Update: The armadillo baby has been named Bocce!

Southern three-banded armadillos, Vespa and Scooter, welcomed a male pup into the world. This is the second healthy armadillo pup born at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in its 121-year history.

“He is healthy and the perfect little replica of his parents,” said the zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Rachel Long.

The 2-month-old pup will remain behind the scenes in the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater area of the zoo while he nurses and bonds with his mother. Armadillo pups typically nurse for around 10 weeks. The growing pup weighs 1.5 pounds and is about the size of a softball. Animal care staff are working on a name for the adorable pup.

The pup’s birth is the result of a breeding recommendation for Scooter and Vespa by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for Southern three-banded armadillos. The SSP looks at the genetic makeup of each prospective parent before recommending a pairing; this helps ensure diversity of armadillos in North American zoos.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this pup into our animal family,” added curator Lacey Zeno.

Southern three-banded armadillos are native to the southern interior of South America. They are listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Primary threats include habitat destruction as native grasslands are converted to farms and hunting and capture for the pet trade.

Some fun facts about three-banded armadillos: they have poor eyesight but a great sense of smell and are efficient burrowers. To eat, they collect ants and termites on their long, sticky tongues. Their shells are made of keratin, which is the same material as human fingernails. Southern three-banded armadillos are one of only two types of armadillo that can roll completely into a ball for protection.