Chinchilla

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

This animal is an Animal Ambassador and lives behind-the-scenes. Animal Ambassadors attend school programs, special events, ZooLive! Stage Shows, guest engagement activities, and outreach events.

Description

Chinchillas

Range & Habitat

Found In: barren, arid areas in Western South America including the Andes Mountains in Chile and Argentina

Behavior

This species

Diet

Herbivore: seeds, leaves, roots and fruit

Conservation

Threats include hunting and trapping to use their fur for clothing

Fun Facts

• Chinchillas can live up to 20 years under human care.

Virginia Zoo Animals

Animal Ambassadors: Machu (male) & Picchu (female)