Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown last week added its newest and smallest member, a baby two-toed sloth born to the zoo’s resident sloth, Beanie, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch.
The zoo announced a successful pregnancy, “much to the joy of our veterinary and animal staff members on-hand to witness this mini miracle.”
Beanie became pregnant at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, her previous home, as part of a two-toed sloth species survival program, and was transferred to Elmwood when it was deemed safe for her to travel.
Visitors will be able to see Beanie and her new baby in the Harmony Hideaway exhibit, though the walkthrough section will be partially closed during the first days of the baby’s life.
“You may be able to spy them from outside the exhibit from the vantage point of the LEGO sloth located on our main path,” said the zoo. “Once we’re confident that Beanie and baby are doing well, we’ll re-open the exhibit.”
Two-toed sloths are found in several northern South American countries, and their populations are currently considered stable.
Read more about Elmwood Park Zoo in the Patch.
