The Hattiesburg Zoo has announced the arrival of a unique new resident — a screaming hairy armadillo named Birkenstock, or “Birk” for short. And of course, we at Darkhorse love animals so we definitely had to share this!
Birk is 1.5 years old. He came to Hattiesburg from the Audubon Zoo and will serve as a zoo ambassador. In this role, he will travel with the zoo’s education staff to schools, churches, libraries, and media appearances across Mississippi to help teach young people about this often-misunderstood animal.
Screaming hairy armadillos are native to South America, specifically the Monte Desert. Known for their love of burrowing in sand and loose soil, they feed on plants, insects, and small vertebrates. The species can live up to 8–9 years and gets its name from the distinct high-pitched squeal it makes when it feels threatened.
If you want to meet Birk, head to the Asbury Discovery Center at the zoo. He shares his space with one of the zoo’s sloths and two Von Der Decken’s hornbills.
