Real-Life Armored Animal? Meet the Screaming Armadillo

What kind of mammal wears armor and screams when it's scared? 🛡️😱

Keeper Jason introduces Diego, the screaming hairy armadillo. Native to South America, Diego sports a tough shell made of osteoderms, which are bony plates covered in scales. These scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in our hair and fingernails, making the armor both strong and flexible — just like a medieval suit of armor!

When threatened, Diego lets out a high-pitched squeal that earned him his unusual name. His natural armor and sound defense have even inspired lightweight protective gear designs in human tech!