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Maya Papaya
Visit her in person:
Located at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve
She's the best coatimundi you'll ever meet!
Arrived at the St. Augustine
Wild Reserve
September 2019
Maya was born in July of 2019 and brought to us at The St. Augustine Wild Reserve when she was two months old in September of 2019. She was rescued from breeder overstock. I'd never met a coatimundi before and I was very intrigued by her. She had the mannerisms of a cat and dog combined into one! I made it a mission to visit her at the end of my volunteer days and begin building a relationship with her.
Continuing to Grow
In a matter of months Maya's body began to grow significantly as she continued to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and chicken drumsticks. Since Coatimundis are omnivores, it is important they get a balance of both meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Building Trust
After several months of visiting, playing, and giving her a lot of attention, Maya started to remember me and my specific scent. Coatimundis are very scent-oriented beings and respond differently to a variety of different smells. Maya would also chirp happily when she learned that it was me coming to visit her once again.
Almost 5 years later,
Maya has become a fully grown coati!
Turning 5 this coming July of 2024, Maya is currently the matriarch of her habitat at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. She loves to climb, get belly rubs, and investigate new scents every day!
I'm thankful that I have built a trusting relationship with Maya that she will allow me to safely give her lots of love, attention, and care. I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to be one of her handlers.
I invite you all to venture to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve to learn all about her, a variety of big cats, wolves, and a many more of our rescued critters.
Book a tour here: Tours — St. Augustine Wild Reserve (sawildreserve.org)
