BABY giant anteater Nelson enjoyed a relaxing ride on his mother's back this week as she foraged through the ground for a snack.

The little animal at Cotswold Wildlife Park, who was born at the beginning of March, made the most of lazing in the sun with mother Zeta as the weather gradually got warmer.

Nelson, named after the late singer Prince Rogers Nelson, is the second baby of anteaters Zeta and Zorro and will hopefully be staying on at the park as a permanent resident.

Their first pup Zephyr, was born in 2014. Keepers are hoping to call the next baby giant anteater Manilow – after the singer Barry Manilow.

Jamie Craig, curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, said: "Zeta has again proved to be an excellent and diligent mother. We are extremely proud of her here at the park and it is great to see another healthy baby growing rapidly and exploring his surroundings from the safety of his mother's rather formidable back."

Anteaters are generally solitary animals, except during the mating season.

After a gestation period of around 190 days, the female produces a single pup which weighs approximately 1.3kg.

The female gives birth standing up and the young anteater immediately climbs onto her back.

A mother will carry the baby on her back for about six to nine months, until it is almost half her size, and the baby suckles for two to six months and become independent after roughly two years, or when the mother becomes pregnant again.

Visitors to the park, based in Bradwell Village near Burford, can see the anteater family in the enclosure they share with the capybaras – the world’s largest rodent – and crested screamers.