You won’t believe what’s under this anteater’s skin

Giant anteaters in Brazil are on the brink of a crisis — threatened by cars, pesticides, habitat loss, and even dogs. But now, a surprising ally is stepping in: healthcare technology. Researchers from Medtronic and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute have implanted heart monitors — originally designed for humans — into these shy mammals. These devices, which are donated to the conservation efforts by Medtronic, typically track irregular heart rhythms in people, but in anteaters, they’re unlocking secrets about how the animals move, rest, and survive in the wild. The goal? To better understand their behavior and protect them before it’s too late.

Some giant anteaters in Brazil are implanted with Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac heart monitors — small devices about 1/3 the size of a AAA battery and originally made for humans — to help researchers track their stress and well-being. While GPS collars have long tracked where animals go, this device reveals how they feel — offering a glimpse into how these vulnerable creatures respond to threats like habitat loss and human activity.

Helen, a rescued giant anteater in Brazil, was fitted with a Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor before being released back into the wild. The device continuously tracked her heart rhythm and stress levels in her natural habitat, providing researchers with first-of-its-kind physiological data on the species. The monitoring revealed she was thriving. She was gaining weight, spending time with other anteaters, and likely pregnant — a colossal win for wildlife researchers.

The devices implanted into the giant anteaters — and 27 other species around the globe — are diverted from landfills or incineration and instead are used to advance conservation. Medtronic has monitored 27 species around the globe so far — with more planned.