How I Came to Know a Silky Anteater, Part 2

So the next morning, after her little party was over, Eugenio called me and said she was apparently healthy and needed to be released into the wild and I could either come get her or they could release her into the forest at the refuge.

We all agreed it was best to release her as close as possible to where she originally came from so I drove back to the the refuge and picked her up, and of course, I had all the necessary permits from MINAE to carry a wild animal in my car.

She continued to sleep as if drugged on Dramamine, until about 6:30 pm when she crawled out of her box and inspected the bathroom where I had her safely stored until it was time to let her go. She quickly went back to sleep when I returned her to the box and at about 9pm, we took a boat to the other side of the river and walked into the forest, picked a tree not too wide in girth and put her on it (see video below). She immediately woke up and started climbing up, up up until she disappeared from our sight.

I later learned that silky anteaters leave scent trails to guide them to the termite and ant nests that they feed on so I was very regretful that I could not return her to the exact same forest location she was found. My friends were out of town and no one out there has a phone, so there was no one to call. At least she was returned to the same type of environment and forest. I sure hope she finds new food sources soon.

I feel so lucky to have had such a close encounter with these elusive animals. Truly a unique learning experience for me and a reminder of why I live in this amazingly beautiful country!

Email This!