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Isle Of Wight Giant Anteater Ernst Recovers From Foot Infection

Ernst Amazon World Zoo Park

Animal carers on the Isle of Wight have been nursing a Giant Anteater called Ernst back to good health - after a serious infection.

Zoo Vet Chloe and Nurse Zoe had to sedate and operate on Ernst - who lives at Animal World Zoo Park - after he had a hole in his foot.

Antibiotics were not enough to solve the problem and the infection had to be cleaned.

Sedating any animal, especially a Giant Anteater is always said to be a 'risky decision' however staff say 'everything went 'smoothly'.

It is estimated that only 5,000 giant anteaters are left in the wild and they have been around for 25 million years.

A spokesperson for Amazon World Zoo Park said:

'Chloe and Zoe from Green, Robert and Butler Vets did as always a super job taking care of our boy and Ernst now has a cute little cast boot to protect his foot whilst it heals! We hope he now has a speedy recovery!

'We want to take this opportunity to again thank everyone for their continued support over the last 11 1/2 months, it means so much to us all.'

The Giant Anteater is also known as the ant bear and is native to Central and South America.

It is one of four living species of Anteaters.

Scroll through pictures of Ernst here.

It is hoped the park can open on May 17.

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