A different kind of anty-body! Giant Anteater 'Ziggy' is born at Zoo Miami and defies odds of survival after its mother rejected it

A tiny giant Anteater named Ziggy has been born at Zoo Miami and has so far defied all odds of survival after its mother rejected it, leaving it out in the cold in freezing temperatures. 

The baby, who is thought to be a boy, came into the world in the early hours of December 8 sharing mom Laura's birthday. 

Ziggy was named in memory of British superstar David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust, almost exactly four years after the zoo welcomed its first Giant Anteater to be born there and named it Bowie.  

Adorable pictures show the newborn - now just 10 days old - being cared for by the Zoo Miami Animal Health and Animal Science teams and snuggling up to a cuddly toy that is almost as big as it.

A tiny giant Anteater has been born at Zoo Miami and has so far defied all odds of survival after its mother rejected it, leaving it out in the cold in freezing temperatures

The adorable baby Giant Anteater - now just 10 days old - is pictured snuggling up to a cuddly toy that is almost as big as it

Ziggy, who is thought to be a boy, came into the world in the early hours of December 8 sharing mom Laura's birthday

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However, in true 2020 fashion, it hasn't been the smoothest of starts for the little one.

The story took a sad turn as Laura, aged 7, abandoned her child after birth in the corner of her holding area at the South Florida attraction. 

Ziggy was found weak and cold on what was one of the coldest nights of the year in Miami and was rushed to the zoo hospital and placed in intensive care.

Zoo hospital staff feared the little baby wouldn't survive the winter. 

The animal health team took the infant under their wing tube-feeding it with milk from Laura and formula substitute, the zoo said.

Ziggy proved to be a fighter, becoming stronger and more responsive until, after two days, the zoo team tried to reunite it with Laura. 

The zoo said Laura initially let the baby be placed on her back, but then grew intolerant and showed signs she was not going to care for it.

The newborn - now just 10 days old - is bottled fed by the Zoo Miami Animal Health and Animal Science teams

However, in true 2020 fashion, it hasn't been the smoothest of starts for the little one. The story took a sad turn as Laura, aged 7, abandoned her child after birth

The newborn was found weak and cold on what was one of the coldest nights of the year in Miami and zoo hospital staff feared the little baby wouldn't survive the winter

And the baby proved it is a fighter, becoming stronger and more responsive until, after two days, the zoo team tried to reunite it with Laura. But Laura rejected it again and it was returned to the hospital 

Ziggy was returned to the hospital where it was tube-fed again.

But the baby continued to defy all odds, becoming stronger and stronger and it is now feeding through a bottle and on its own.  

Zoo workers continue to give the baby round the clock care and said the baby's distinctive black and white coat has started to grow in. 

Zoo Miami said it is now 'cautiously optimistic' that the baby is over the worst of its troubles but warned 'there are still obstacles ahead as there would be for any infant in this situation'.   

Ron Magill, Zoo Goodwill Ambassador and Communications Director, told DailyMail.com Ziggy is a 'positive symbol' for overcoming challenges in what has been a difficult year. 

'At a time when the world is facing so many challenges, it is so uplifting to see this little guy overcome his significant challenges and continue to grow and thrive,' he said.

'Hopefully, he can represent a positive symbol for all of us during this holiday season!'  

 The baby is weighed by a member of the zoo hospital team. The baby has defied all odds and zoo workers said the baby's distinctive black and white coat has started to grow in

The baby is now feeding through a bottle and on its own while staff continue to give it round the clock care

Zoo Miami said it is now 'cautiously optimistic' that the baby is over the worst of its troubles but warned 'there are still obstacles ahead as there would be for any infant in this situation'

A Zoo Miami worker cradles the newborn after its mom rejected it. Giant anteaters are the largest of four anteater species reaching a length of 6 to 8 feet

The zoo welcomed the first giant anteater ever to be born there back in December 2016. 

Baby 'Bowie' was then introduced to zoo patrons at the Amazon and Beyond exhibit the following February. 

Giant anteaters are the largest of four anteater species reaching a length of 6 to 8 feet. 

They are known for their giant tongues, which can reach up to 2 feet long - the longest in the entire animal kingdom. 

But despite their cute appearance, they are surprisingly feisty and have been known to take on big cats including jaguars and pumas with their sharp claws.   

The animals feed on termites and ants – eating up to 30,000 in a single day - and are native to Central and South America, where they live around 14 years in the wild.