Photo by Matt Marriott/Busch Gardens

You wouldn’t know that aardvark births are rare, since Busch Gardens has just had another one, but they are. Fewer than 40 aardvarks reside in North American zoos, Busch Gardens says. This little one was born last week, weighing just 4.8 pounds. The Central Florida theme park has welcomed it with loving arms.

The little one will remain under the care of the park’s animal-care team until it is ready for public appearances. It’s home behind the scenes at Jambo Junction will give it time to become familiar with his mother, father and brother, who is nearly a year old. Their role at Busch Gardens is to make public appearance as “animal ambassadors.” Every year, animal ambassadors and their human handlers visit dozens of schools, community centers and festivals to interact with the general public in their neighborhoods.

Welcome to the world little one! Congratulations to Busch Gardens and their animal-care team.

Last Updated on April 3, 2012