SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Potawatomi Zoo announced a new addition to their animal family.

A southern three-banded armadillo baby was born at the Zoo in early November to two other armadillos that have not yet made their public debut.

The southern three-banded armadillo is a native to north central Argentina as well as east central Bolivia, and parts of Brazil and Paraguay.

This type of armadillo is considered “near-threatened” in the wild and they are unique for their ability to lock into a defensive ball that seals completely.

The baby armadillo is still unnamed at this time and continues to grow and thrive with its mother at the Zoo.

The armadillos are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Southern Three-Banded Armadillo Species Survival program.