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The kinkajou is in the Carnivora class. It lives in the tropical forests to southern Mexico. It has a long tail to swing back and forth with and also to hang on while eating. It has claws to help it move around on the tree and also has sharp teeth for ripping apart its food. It's a member of the raccoon family. It has a slim body and grows about 3 feet long, including the tail. It has dense, woolly, yellow-brown fur. It hides in tree holes during the day and feeds at night on fruit and insects. The female kinkajou may bear one or two young a year. The kinkajou is one of only two carnivores that have prehensile tails. It is arboreal. The name is from the Indians, meaning "honey bear", since they love honey so much. |
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During our visit to the zoo, the kinkajou was very aware of everything around it when we were watching it for those few minutes. We were all being quiet when the animal was out of her kennel and when it was aware of its surrondings. We all watched in amazement when this animal stared back with her beady eyes. She certainly showed interest in us. |
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The kinkajou is adapted to its environment by its long tail. It has this tail to hang from tree to tree, and for hanging upside down in branches. When it eats, it comes in handy most of all because its one of its favorite things to do. Also the kinkajou has teeth for eating big things and ripping apart its food. |
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"Kinkajou." Academic American Encyclopedia. 1995 ed. 'Kinkajou." The World Book Encyclopedia . 1995 ed. |