A giant anteater has gone viral for enjoying a relaxing bubble bath as part of his daily enrichment routine.
Jerry happily soaked in the bubbles while using his long, powerful claws to groom his thick coat.
He also likes standing beneath the gentle spray of a water hose, allowing him to rinse his coat and stay comfortable in the heat.
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The clip of the 25-year-old animal has racked up 1.4m views since being shared on 31 July.
Novel experiences such as bubbles, different scents and textures encourage natural curiosity and exploration, helping to keep animals mentally and physically stimulated, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The footage was filmed at Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo on Hawaii, US.
The bubbles used were non-toxic and animal-safe, making them safe for Jerry to interact with.
His luxurious bath video has been liked over 42,100 times and received over 1,200 comments from fans delighted by his adorable behaviour.
One person said: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen a giant anteater taking a bubble bath!”
Someone else added: “This has to be the cutest thing I’ve seen today!”
Another person said: “I never knew anteaters take baths like I do.”
One viewer joked: “He washes himself better than my kids ever did!! All his bits and behind his ears…well done.”
Someone else added: “Better hygiene than many humans.”
Keepers say enrichment is an important part of providing excellent animal care, encouraging species to display their natural behaviours while keeping them active and engaged.
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