The London Zoo is home to two-toed sloths, known for their long, coarse, caramel and cream-colored hair and two long claws on their forelimbs. These nocturnal mammals are native to South America and have a gestation period of 10 to 11 months. Infants are already physically well-developed when they’re born, enabling them to eat solid food right away and hold on tight to their mother.
The Birth of Baby Sloth Nova
In January 2023, London Zoo celebrated the birth of a baby two-toed sloth, named Nova, born to 16-year-old sloth Marilyn. Marilyn and Nova can be spotted in Rainforest Life, the only living rainforest in the city, which is heated to 28°C all year round and shared with titi monkeys, golden-headed lion monkeys, and red-footed tortoises.
Sloths and Climate Change
Sloths have evolved for millions of years in a relatively stable climatic environment and are vulnerable to even small changes in temperature and weather. As such, they are particularly threatened by the global issue of climate change. ZSL, the conservation charity behind London Zoo, urges world leaders to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change in unison to save our planet.
Adopting a Sloth at London Zoo
Visitors to London Zoo can adopt a sloth, supporting the sloths in their care at London Zoo and helping protect sloths in the wild. The adoption package includes a special printed sloth adoption certificate, an adorable sloth small beans soft toy, an exclusive to ZSL sloth pin badge, an exclusive to ZSL animal adopter pin badge, a vibrant sloth photo fridge magnet, and a comprehensive, informative booklet all about sloths.
Sloth Adoption Costs and Delivery Options
Sloth adoption costs £35 and includes free standard delivery in the UK when spending £60 or over. Standard delivery in the UK costs £5.99, and express delivery in the UK costs £7.99. Adoption supports the sloths in the care of London Zoo and helps protect sloths in the wild, making it a gift that gives back.
Unique Features of London Zoo’s Sloths
London Zoo’s sloths are part of the Linne’s two-toed sloth species, which are known for their distinctive features:
- Long, coarse, caramel and cream-colored hair
- Two long claws on their forelimbs
- Nocturnal and native to South America
- Gestation period of 10-11 months
- Physically well-developed infants that can eat solid food and cling to their mother right away
Sloth Habitat and Companions at London Zoo
Marilyn and Nova, the baby sloth, can be found in the Rainforest Life exhibit at London Zoo. This exhibit is the only living rainforest in the city, maintained at a constant temperature of 28°C all year round. The sloths share this space with other fascinating rainforest creatures, including:
- Titi monkeys
- Golden-headed lion monkeys
- Red-footed tortoises
Sloth Conservation Efforts at London Zoo
As sloths are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the conservation charity behind London Zoo, ZSL, is urging world leaders to take action to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change. By adopting a sloth, visitors can support the sloths in the care of London Zoo and contribute to the protection of sloths in the wild.
In conclusion, the London Zoo’s sloths are a captivating and unique attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures and contribute to their conservation. Whether it’s marveling at the birth of baby sloth Nova or adopting a sloth to support the zoo’s efforts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the London Zoo’s sloth exhibit.
References:
– Sloth Adoption – ZSL Shop, https://shop.zsl.org/products/adopt-a-sloth
– Baby sloth Nova clings to mum ahead of Mother’s Day | London Zoo, https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/news/baby-sloth-nova-clings-mum-ahead-mothers-day
– Linne’s two-toed sloth – London Zoo, https://www.londonzoo.org/whats-here/animals/linnes-two-toed-sloth
– Baby sloth born at London Zoo in 2023, https://www.londonzoo.org/zoo-stories/news/baby-sloth-born-london-zoo-2023
– London Zoo’s first baby of the year is a two-toed sloth – YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk7i4SXQYlI