Meet the coatimundi (kuh-waa-tee-muhn-dee), also called the coati.
This cousin of our beloved raccoons is a very near creature in itself. They are found from the southern US down through South America.
Adult coatis measure 33 to 69 cm (1-2.5 ft) from head to the base of the tail and weigh between 2 and 8 kg (5-10 lbs). Their tail can be almost as long as they are, and is often kept held up in the air so other coati can know where each other are in tall grass.
Their snouts can rotate up to 60° in any direction to search for food, and they are one of the few mammals that can climb down trees headfirst thanks to their crazy ankles that can rotate just over 180°. Very flexible indeed!
Unlike raccoons, these cute critters are diurnal, so we are able to enjoy their company during the day.
For more coati facts, check out this article.
Wow, that is one magnificient animal! I think i saw one at a zoo in the Netherlands but i'm not sure as it was a long time ago. Thanks for posting!
My pleasure! There are quite the number of times I see something new at a zoo, but forget about it before I get to learn more about it. Then years later I will learn how amazing it is and be frustrated I didn't know just how awesome and rare it was when I had it in front of me! 😅