New Arrival (7)

One of the oddest-looking mammals in the animal kingdom has an even stranger cousin. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's four new hairy armadillos are among the most peculiar critters to pop up at the nation's seventh-oldest zoo in some time. The small animals are native to Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina and weigh about four pounds when fully grown. Unlike the La Plata three-banded armadillo — the one most people think of when they think of the species — hairy armadillos sport 18 narrow bands of armor with bristly hairs poking out from between each one. The two breeding pairs of hairy armadillos are a first for the zoo and a rarity. The only other two breeding pairs live at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Those who want to see for themselves should head to the Cleveland zoo's Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building. Go May 9 and Mom gets in free.