Intriguing new arrivals are nothing new at the Palms Tropical Oasis at Stapeley Water Gardens, which recently welcomed the arrival of two new Coati brothers Kev and Mel, and currently houses over 100 species of exotic wildlife.
The Coati is related to Racoons, with their elongated heads, incredibly sensitive flexible noses and characteristic striped foxy tails. Visitors will also be able to admire their amazing acrobatic skills. In the wild, coatis live in tropical rainforests, grasslands, and bushy areas of South America, Central America and southern North America, and are often seen in Costa Rica. They are excellent tree climbers. In fact, they can reverse their ankles and turn them around so that they can climb down trees headfirst! The brothers are from Amazon on the Isle of Man.
In their natural habitat they eat all sorts of berries, and love nothing more than grubbing around for mushrooms, insects, snails, and even the odd frog, lizard, or mouse. While at the Palms Tropical Oasis their favourite food is raisins and meal worm. Coatis are also the only animal that can eat the deadly poisonous Cane Toad, which is capable of killing Crocodiles! Visitors can now see the new arrivals settling into their new home at the Palms Tropical Oasis.
For more information call 01270 623868, or visit www.stapeleywg.com
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For more information, please contact David Heath on 01270 623868, or email david.heath@stapeleywg.com
Notes to the editor:
• Mel and Kev are named after two members of the Garden centre's maintenance team.
• Coatis live in groups of up to about 25 females who are visited regularly by solitary males - 25 girlfriends to choose from!
Last Updated: April 28, 2008
