ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- The Detroit Zoo has welcomed a new addition with the birth of an aardvark.

The 23-inch hairless African mammal with 4-inch ears was born Dec. 8 and weighed 3 pounds, the zoo said.

The aardvark was given the name Amani, which is Swahili for peace.

The zoo said it is waiting for DNA test results to determine Amani's sex.

Amani was born to parents Rachaael and Mchimbaji, and will join the zoo's three other aardvarks in their habitat across from the giraffes in the spring.

"This baby can only be described as hideously cute," said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter in a release about Amani's arrival. "Rachaael is a first-time mother and is showing great maternal instincts."

Aardvarks grow up to 6 feet long and can weigh between 90 and 145 pounds. They are equipped with a sticky tongue that can be up to 12 inches long for trapping insects.

The Detroit Zoo is located at 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak.

Find out more by visiting the zoo's Web site, www.DetroitZoo.org.