Staff at Folly Farm, Begelly, welcomed their latest arrival last week, as two St. Vincent Agoutis were delivered from Colchester Zoo. The Agouti is a medium-sized rodent, native to the Forests of South America. Zoo manager Tim Morphew said: "Although not particularly endangered, the agoutis will fit in nicely with the other Amazon animals that we have; they will live alongside tapirs, capybara, capuchin monkeys and parrots, just as they would in the wild." The two female agoutis are happily living together in an enclosure with Amazon Parrots, foraging for any food that the parrots drop, just like they would in the forest. In the wild, agoutis are always alert for danger, they have large ears which listen out for any predators that may be near and also for the sound of dropping fruit. Agoutis have long hind legs, designed for a fast getaway when danger is near, and they also have very strong gnawing teeth that can crack the shells of nuts and fruits that most animals would not be able to eat. "The agoutis will be a part of our education programme at the park where we can show how diverse life is in the world's largest rainforest." Folly Farm is open every day of the week until November 2, after which the park will be open on Saturday and Sunday only throughout the winter.