Baby sloth takes keepers by surprise at zoo
It is the first sloth to be born at Dudley Zoo in the zoo’s 85-year history.
Zookeepers had “a lovely surprise” when they discovered a baby sloth as they went to deliver food to the enclosure.
The youngster was born to Flo, a three-year-old Linne’s two-toed sloth, and Reggie at Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC) on April 4.
“It was a lovely surprise for staff to discover the baby, especially as Flo wasn’t showing signs of being in labour during the day,” he said.
Flo arrived at the zoo in August 2020 as part of a European breeding programme.
Gestation typically lasts about six months, but keepers only realised Flo was pregnant in recent weeks when they noticed movement around her stomach.
“The baby seems healthy and alert as it snuggles up to mum, who is doing wonderfully and taking first-time motherhood in her stride, while dad, Reggie looks on proudly.”
The sex of the baby will be confirmed in the coming weeks, after which keepers will decide on a name.
