Two new climbing artists at Gotha Zoo: Costa and Ginger are here!

Two new climbing artists at Gotha Zoo: Costa and Ginger are here!

Gotha Zoo is enjoying new growth: Costa and Ginger, two white-nosed coatis, have moved into the facility. These lively animals, which come from the Nordhorn Zoo, bring a breath of fresh air to the park. While the male Costa was born in 2014 and the female Ginger in 2016, they have already made friends with their new home, even if they are still somewhat reluctant to explore the surrounding area.

The official presentation of the two climbing artists took place in the presence of the mayor Ulf Zillmann and the zoo manager Angelika Wimmer. The new outdoor area for the coatis is richly detailed and offers many opportunities for exploration. Wooden houses, tree trunks, suspension bridges and ropes invite the animals to be active. A small pond with a bridge completes the natural experience, which is a benefit for both the bears and the visitors.

Unique characteristics of the white-nosed coati

The white-nosed coatis, also known by their scientific name *Nasua narica*, belong to the family of small bears and are particularly widespread in the neotropical regions of Central and South America. These animals reach a body length of up to 70 cm and weigh between 3 and 6 kg. A characteristic feature is the white nose stripe, the brown or gray fur and the black back. With their long, curved claws, they are skilled climbers, comfortable on the ground as well as in trees.

Although they are primarily active during the day, they also spend time at night high in the trees or searching for insects and fruit with their mobile snouts. Their diet consists of a mixture of fruits, small animals and plants - a varied diet that always amazes. Costa and Ginger are an asset to Gotha Zoo, especially because this species is rarely found in nature.

Special features and protection of the species

As omnivores, white-nosed coatis are even useful in agriculture because they can be used as pest controllers. However, despite their popularity as pets, they are not suitable for keeping. In the wild, they are threatened primarily by habitat loss and hunting, although the IUCN classifies the species as “least endangered”.

But it's not just the fascination of the species itself that is exciting, but also the social behavior between the animals. Females often live in groups, while males are usually solitary animals that only come near females to reproduce. The breeding season is usually between January and April, with the gestation period lasting around 10 weeks.

The introduction of Costa and Ginger to Gotha Zoo demonstrates the park's commitment to protecting and educating people about these special animals. Walking through the newly designed facility, coupled with the opportunity to observe these unique climbers, makes the visit a special experience for the whole family.