It isn’t every day you see an armadillo sauntering through someone’s home to get to the massage chair. But this little guy, affectionately named Twinkle Toes, is a resident of the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary, where he’s living the good life. And it’s clear he knows his way around, especially when he’s headed for the best seat in the house.
Watch his journey as he whizzes past other exotic animals and straight to his favorite seat in this adorable video shared on September 20:
View this post on Instagram
Until I moved to Florida, I didn’t realize just how fast armadillos really are, and Twinkle Toes proves it. Those tiny legs underneath that accordion-like body know how to move when they want to, and when his favorite spot is calling, this little guy goes full throttle.
On his way to the room, he even scurried past a giant lizard in the hall and a massive snake behind the glass, totally unfazed. As he made his way to his throne, he took a lap around first. His caretaker, Dave, explained that it’s always his routine before climbing in. One leg up, then another, and finally a wiggle into the back of the chair until he was settled in.
Fans were delighted to watch his little adventure. Viewer @mischeviousbroad_ said it best, “I can imagine ‘check the massage chair before you sit, the Armadillo might be in there’ is a commonplace sentence in this home.”
While @markduvy admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Armadillo skedaddle like that!”
And @alienstookmeonce added, “The way he fits into and wiggles up the leg part of the chair is cracking me up for no reason omg!”
To see Twinkle Toes up close, check out this Instagram video from September 17:
View this post on Instagram
Fun facts about armadillos
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, armadillos are nocturnal, burrowing mammals that are surprisingly fast despite their small legs. They can dig extensive burrow systems, eat insects and grubs, and even hold their breath for up to six minutes while swimming or crossing streams.
Their distinctive armor-like shell protects them from predators, but as Twinkle Toes shows, it doesn’t stop them from enjoying the finer things in life, like a good nap in a massage chair.
Armadillos may not be suited to life as pets, but for those who can’t return to the wild, it’s comforting to know they’re cared for in safe places like the @northwestwildlifesanctuary. Watching Twinkle Toes toddle off to his favorite seat is a sweet reminder of how much an animal can thrive when given the right home.
