Coatis range from Arizona to Argentina.  White-nosed coatis are found in North and Central America but the brown-nosed species is found in South America only.  Coatis inhabit wooded areas and forage in trees and on the ground.

Physical characteristics include a long, pointed snout which is very mobile and used to investigate holes and crevices; long, coarse fur; a banded tail which is longer than the body and used for balance; short forelegs and longer hind legs.  Length of head and body is about 2 feet and tail is a little longer.  Weight is 6.5 -13 pounds.  Males are generally larger than females. 

Coatis are diurnal and roost in trees at night.  Their diet includes plant and animal matter; they are almost exclusively frugivorous when fruit is abundant and otherwise forage for small invertebrates.  The larger males even catch rodents.  Coatis are hunted for meat.  They can be tamed as pets.  Their life span is about 17 years.

The reproductive season is April to June; gestation is 10 - 11 weeks; the pregnant female constructs a tree nest and has a litter of 2 - 7 young.
 
Our pair of coatis were three months old when they arrived at the zoo on July 8, 2003. They are named Sugar and Spice.  Their zoo diet consists of dog food and bananas and will be expanded to other fruits.

Sugar died in August 2005 and Spice has been taken off display temporarily while we are looking for a new female companion.