Only 33 aardvarks have been born in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums before 2025. The first of 2026 and 34th overall calls Music City its home.
The Nashville Zoo shared in a Facebook post on Monday, Jan. 12, that a newborn aardvark calf (also known as a cub) is its latest resident and the first aardvark born there.
“We kicked off 2026 with a very special arrival,” the announcement began.
“Nashville Zoo welcomed its first-ever aardvark calf at 6:06 am on New Year’s Day,” it continued. “Born to mom Karanga and dad Winsol, this New Year’s baby weighs about four pounds and is roughly the size of a rolling pin.”
The zoo added that both the newborn aardvark and its mother are
