Loro Parque have announced the birth of a new baby male two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), said to be in perfect health and currently being closely monitored by vets to ensure his well-being and growth. In the next few weeks, he will begin to eat solid foods and explore the tropical ecosystem created for him in the park.
Staff at the park say that this is great news for Loro Parque, as it emphasizes their commitment to the conservation of the species. The baby sloth’s mother, Pauline, came to Loro Parque in 2021 from the Viennese Schönbrunn Zoo to pair up with one of the park's males, Hugo, and the resulting birth from this union is a success for everyone.
The transfer was part of the Exsitu Program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), for the conservation of animal species under human care, with which zoos and aquariums share plans for the management of the species, with breeding and care recommendations.
"Our commitment to conservation and animal welfare is reflected in these milestones in reproduction and breeding, as well as in our research projects, with which we contribute to the preservation of threatened species", said Dr. Javier Almunia, director of Loro Parque Foundation.
This is confirmed by this new two-toed sloth, a species from South America, which will share space with other species, such as marmosets, iguanas, and armadillos, in an environment that recreates their natural environment.
The sloths at Loro Parque are calm, slow-moving animals that live on the branches of trees. In addition to the sloth, the Fundación also continually contributes to the survival of other endangered species, such as Lear's macaw or the Atlantic humpback dolphin.
“Successful reproduction and breeding under human care will be essential to guarantee the survival of some animal species in the future, and Loro Parque is a leader in this field.
