A Hoffman’s two-toed sloth is the newest arrival at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House.
21 year old mother Hersey gave birth to the new sloth on July 25. Keepers are waiting for Hersey to give them a good look at the baby so they can determine if it is a boy or a girl. Currently it is hugging mum tight while on exhibit with her and its father Carlos, who is 32. This is the first time that they have bred.
“The sloth infant appears healthy and is passing critical milestones such as nursing regularly and clinging well to mother,” said Curator Diane Mulkerin. “Hersey is a first-time mother and is being very attentive to her new young.”
This young sloth is part of the Species Survival Plan for his species in zoo’s which helps to manage genetic diversity in all of America’s accredited zoo’s.
Currently he spends his day’s snoozing in the tree tops with mum throughout the day preferring to keep his activity for night.
Hoffman’s two toed sloths spend most of their time hanging upside down in the treetops of their South and Central American rainforest homes. They have a set of large hooked claws which help to keep them in the trees.
Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
