Jersey Zoo has announced the birth of a baby Linne’s two-toed sloth.
The youngster was born on Wednesday 15 January 2025, and while both mum and baby are currently doing well, as with all animal births the early days are sensitive. To ensure the pair have plenty of time to bond and adjust, the sloth house will remain temporarily closed.
This birth is an important milestone for Jersey Zoo and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP), a pan-European breeding programme for the species.
Female Terry and male Rio (pictured in July last year) were paired together under this programme with the hope they would breed, making this new arrival a positive step for the conservation of this fascinating species.
Sadly Rio, the youngster’s father, passed away on Thursday 23 January. Rio, who was 23 years old, arrived at Jersey Zoo in 2022 from Bristol Zoo, where he spent most of his life, having been born at Amazon World Zoo on the Isle of Wight. Despite pre-existing health conditions, including dental and kidney issues, Rio’s health stabilised under the care provided by Jersey Zoo’s dedicated Mammal team and Veterinary Services Department, who kept a close eye on him, carefully monitoring and managing his health and welfare.
In recent months, Rio’s health began to decline. Following a thorough review, the difficult decision was made to euthanise him after his dental condition significantly worsened.
“I’m sure Rio will be missed by staff, volunteers and visitors. Despite his ongoing health challenges, the team have done an admirable job caring for Rio during his final years,” said Ben Matthews, Curator of Mammals at Jersey Zoo.
“If we reflect on the part the animals in our care play in the wider picture of conservation, we can take solace in the fact that Rio’s important genes have been passed on with the arrival of his offspring. It’s truly a poignant reminder of why we do what we do.”
