Coatimundis
First of all, how is the word coatimundi pronounced? There are two pronunciations that are both correct. They differ only based on region or personal preference. For instance, I prefer to say “koh-wah-tih-moon-dee,” but many people insist on saying “koh-tih-muhn-dee.” Whichever way you feel most comfortable pronouncing this word, know that it is perfectly acceptable to shorten the word to coati!
Believe it or not, you probably already know a lot more about coatimundis than you think. Why? Because they’re raccoons; South American raccoons! These cuties are indigenous to many parts of Central and South America. There are two main species—the white-nosed coatimundi and the ring-tailed coatimundi. The white-nosed coati is usually slightly larger than the ring-tailed coati, has darker features (with white markings on the muzzle), and is generally less friendly than the ring-tailed coati. This is not to say that the white-nosed coatimundi isn’t a friendly animal; the fact of the matter is, ring-tailed coatimundis have traditionally lived closer to human civilization for a longer period of time.
(Here, you can see a ring-tailed coati on the left and a
white-nosed coatimundi on the right.)
When we think about raccoons, we generally imagine a solitary animal. However, one of the major differences between raccoons and coatimundis is that the latter live in large groups. White-nosed coatis live farther away from human civilization, as opposed to the ring-tailed coatimundis. This is why ring-tailed coatis are usually sweeter than their white-nosed counterparts; they have had more consecutive generations born in close proximity to humans, and are therefore more used to them.
(A ring-tailed coatimundi who wants all the snuggles!)
Although there are differences, coatimundis and raccoons are more alike than not. This is apparent from their physical similarities (they both have little “hands” and often walk on their back feet like people) as well as their personalities. Raccoons and coatimundis are extremely intelligent, agile, cunning, and tricky. A coatimundi ZooMommy must have eyes in the back of her head when a baby coati is running around. They use their dexterous fingers to poke and pry into anything and everything. Don’t wear clothes that have a lot of pockets unless you want a coati crawling all over you, sticking its nose and hands into every nook and cranny!
Due to their curious and invasive natures, it is necessary to child-lock every door and cabinet in the house. Baby coatimundis are only the size of kittens, but they are motivated by sheer curiosity and will do everything in their tiny power to get into anything they possibly can. A baby coatimundi is almost impossible to keep track of if it isn’t snuggling or sleeping. These little guys are amazingly fast!
Fortunately, it will always come running back to you once it sees you making a bottle. Coatis quickly fall into a routine and will recognize your movements immediately. You won’t even have all the ingredients in the bottle before it has climbed your leg and tightrope-walked its way down your arm toward the bottle. Thankfully, their energy levels get lower as their bellies get fatter from milk.
It is during the milk-drunk nap that we have the best opportunity to clean the baby coati. As I’m sure you can imagine, baths aren’t really an option with these guys! Although they aren't filthy animals, they do have a knack for finding the smallest spaces in your home that haven't been dusted since you moved in. Hello, wet wipes!
Overall, the actual caretaking of a baby coatimundi is very simple. What is difficult is not losing them under the furniture or in the pantry! Good luck!
Hugs and kisses!
ZooMommy
