Sloth cubs born in Heidelberg's zoo have not disrupted the leisurely pace of their parents. - Young Heidelberg sloths exhibit a surprising level of tranquility
In the heart of Heidelberg Zoo, a new addition has been born to Fred, the 18-year-old two-fingered sloth, and his partner Wilma, who is 19. The pair, the only sloths in the zoo, have welcomed their twelfth offspring in mid-August.
The sex of the newborn is yet to be determined, and a fur sample will be sent to a lab for DNA analysis. Sandra Reichler, the zoo's curator for mammals, explains that it's challenging to ascertain the sex of a sloth with the naked eye.
Sloths, known for their slow movement, are not lazy but have adapted this trait to conserve energy and survive on their low-nutrient diet. These arboreal creatures spend approximately 18 hours a day sleeping, and when awake, they crawl through trees at a speed of 8 to 10 meters per minute, which equates to less than a kilometer per hour.
Their diet primarily consists of low-nutrient foods such as leaves, flowers, fruits, and small animals. Despite the lack of energy in their diet, sloths avoid unnecessary exertion to conserve energy whenever possible.
Wilma and the newborn have already ventured out into the outdoor enclosure, and the mother has been observed to carry her young on her belly for the first few months. The young sloth will not become active and explore independently until about six months.
The WWF provides valuable information about sloths' habits and diet, shedding light on these fascinating creatures. It is interesting to note that sloths are related to anteaters and armadillos.
The results of the DNA analysis will not be available for a few more weeks, leaving the sex of the newborn as a mystery for now. However, the zoo staff and visitors alike are excited to welcome the new addition to the Heidelberg Zoo family.
The eleven other offspring of Fred and Wilma have been sent to other zoos, but the twelfth remains a special part of the Heidelberg Zoo community. The slow-moving, energy-conserving sloths continue to captivate visitors with their unique lifestyle and adaptations.
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