Meet the adorable tiny 1-month-old armadillo pup named Segway

By Jessica Hehir-Smith via SWNS

This contented tiny armadillo pup makes for compelling viewing as it curls up and wriggles around.

Little Southern three-banded armadillo Segway was born to first time parents Vespa and Scooter at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) in Tacoma, Washington, in late October.

Segway is the first healthy armadillo pup to be born at the zoo in its 116-year history.

“Born to first-time parents Vespa and Scooter, the name Segway seemed to fit right in with the family," said assistant curator Maureen O’Keefe.

“She has quadrupled in size since she was born and is now the size of a softball, weighing 14 ounces - she was just three ounces at birth.

"Segway has also opened her eyes and is moving around her den more every day.”

PDZA promotes effective conservation and envisions a world where people and wildlife can share the Earth in harmony.

Maureen applies strict values of conservation and science, among many others, to the animals in her care.

“She’ll continue to nurse from Vespa for about another month in the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater," Maureen said.

"Segway is the first healthy armadillo pup to be born at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in its 116-year history.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this pup into our animal family.”

Vespa, the pup’s mother, was monitored constantly leading up to the birth. Maureen detailed the steps it took to ensure the birth a safe, happy and healthy pup:

“Vespa was trained to allow us to give her voluntary ultrasounds throughout her pregnancy - she’d even let us feel her belly without curling up in a ball!," he said.

"She really allowed us to give her the care she needed.

“We observed mom and pup around the clock to ensure Segway was getting the necessary nourishment from Vespa.

“She will be viewable to guests during Close Encounters once she is old enough.”

Segway’s birth was recommended by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Southern three-banded armadillos.

The SSP looked at the genetic makeup of Vespa and Scooter and confirmed they should breed.

They do this with each prospective parent before recommending a pairing to help ensure the diversity of armadillos in North American zoos.

Southern three-banded armadillos are native to South America and are listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Their primary threats include habitat destruction, hunting and capture for the pet trade.

The footage was filmed on December 1st.