The Sloth Bear is a unique species of bear that can be found at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the only zoo in the United Kingdom to house this incredible animal. These bears are known for their ability to close their nostrils completely, protecting them from dust and insects when raiding termite mounds or beehives.
The Sloth Bears of Whipsnade Zoo
At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, you can meet Ursula and Colombo, two sibling Sloth Bears who were born in London Zoo and have been with the zoo for about 10 years. These bears have individual personalities that are fascinating to work with, and they are known for their fantastic set of claws and beret lactation, which allows them to forage on insects effectively.
Feeding and Behavior
The zoo keepers at Whipsnade Zoo use scatter feeding techniques to encourage natural foraging behavior, hiding food all around the paddock to encourage the bears to use their sense of smell and claws to find their meals. This helps to mimic the bears’ natural behavior in the wild, where they would spend hours searching for termites, ants, and other insects to eat.
Conservation Efforts
Whipsnade Zoo is home to over 10,000 animals, including Asian elephants, various species of butterflies and invertebrates, and aardvarks, which provide vital homes for many endangered species. The zoo is committed to conservation efforts and protecting wildlife, and visitors can learn about the threats these animals face in the wild and how the zoo is working to protect them.
Exclusive Sloth Bear Merchandise
Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo can purchase a Sloth Bear Soft Toy, 28cm, which is exclusive to the zoo and cannot be found anywhere else. This soft toy is made of super soft brown plush and has wonderful detailing in the face to make it look like a real Sloth Bear. The toy is a great addition to any soft toy collection and is a perfect way to support the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Delivery Options
Delivery options for the Sloth Bear Soft Toy, 28cm, include free standard delivery for orders over £60, standard delivery in the UK for £5.99, and express delivery in the UK for £7.99. The zoo’s online shop also offers secure transactions and a simple checkout process.
Unique Features of the Sloth Bear
The Sloth Bear is a unique species of bear that has several distinctive features:
- Nostrils: Sloth Bears can close their nostrils completely, protecting them from dust and insects when raiding termite mounds or beehives.
- Claws: Sloth Bears have a fantastic set of claws that they use to forage for insects, ants, and termites.
- Beret Lactation: Sloth Bears have a unique adaptation called beret lactation, which allows them to effectively forage on insects.
Conclusion
The Sloth Bears at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are a fascinating and unique species that visitors can learn about and support through the purchase of exclusive merchandise. The zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts and protecting wildlife is commendable, and visitors can play a role in these efforts by visiting the zoo and learning more about these incredible animals.
References:
– Sloth Bear Soft Toy, 28cm
– Sloth Bear Video
– Whipsnade Zoo Animals