The long-nosed, hairy mammals are not typically aggressive toward people and are considered a vulnerable species. They can grow up to seven feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. Giant anteaters typically eat mainly insects but they also enjoy citrus and avocados. They have poor vision and if frightened, they can defend themselves with extremely muscular forearms and claws that are as long as pocketknives.

The other case involved a 75-year-old man who died when an anteater used its long front claws to puncture his femoral arteries, located in the groin and thigh. Zookeepers generally avoid being in the same space as the animals, coaxing them into separate fenced-off areas when they approach their living quarters for cleaning, Attacks are rare, but serve as a reminder to give the animals plenty of space.