The baby sloth was expected to arrive in January, but in typical sloth fashion, it took its sweet time.
The Linne's two-toed sloth baby came into the world on Thursday, April 11. The veterinary team at the Denver Zoo has announced the baby is "very healthy." No word yet on whether the baby is male or female or what its name will be.
Courtesy of Denver Zoo
The zoo had predicted its birth to be as early as January, but sloths can be very tricky to predict in terms of due dates. Since sloths are most active at night, zookeepers rarely observe the breeding. The sloth's mother, Charlotte Greenie, a 23-year-old female sloth, was carefully monitored by the vets during her pregnancy to make sure both she and baby were healthy.
The little one is currently bonding and resting with Charlotte and will remain clinging to her for at least six months. Charlotte's mate, 28-year-old sloth Elliot, and their other sloth baby, Ruth, will be separated from the duo and kept off-exhibit for awhile to allow mother and baby time to bond.
Courtesy of Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo welcomes guests to visit the new baby in their Bird World habitat. They do warn visitors that it may be difficult to get a clear view of the baby if there is foliage in the way or if he/she is clinging too tightly to its mother. Zookeepers recommend visiting in late afternoon when Charlotte is more likely to be moving around.
Will you be visiting the new baby sloth? Let us know in the comments!
