Conservation

The Alexandria Zoo first exhibited tayras during the 1980’s. This small, brownish carnivore looks somewhat like a cross between a weasel and an otter, all being in the Mustelidea family. Tayras are swift, agile little predators that use their sharp teeth and claws to catch prey. They are good climbers and swimmers.

Because of habitat destruction and hunting, they have become less common in the forests of Southern Mexico to Argentina. The fact that they are not particularly glamorous in appearance, and are known as “mischieveous” as well as “escape artists”, results in their being excluded from many zoos’ animal collection plans. However, they are always a surprise to professional zoo staff and dedicated zoo-goers who record rare and unusual species.

In a decision to recommit to the propagation of this species, the Zoo acquired three males and four females in 2004 and 2005 to join one male already at the Zoo. This investment announced the beginning of the Zoo’s new management plan to help re-establish tayra in captivity. At this time, the Alexandria Zoo has the largest collection of Eira barbara in the country. One pair was recently sent to the Cincinnati Zoo on a breeding loan.