New Bedford Zoo Welcomes Its First-Ever Baby Sloth

NEW BEDFORD, MA — An unnamed newborn sloth is the first to be born in Buttonwood Park Zoo's 127-year history.

On June 22, the 12-year-old mother named Sandy gave birth to a two-toed sloth after an eleven-and-a-half-month gestation period, according to the zoo's website.

Dr. Erica Lipanovich, the zoo's veterinarian examined the baby at six days old, recording that the baby weighed roughly 0.76 pounds.

“Since this is Sandy’s first birth, we wanted to give her plenty of space to bond with baby before we performed an examination," said Dr. Lipanovich, adding, "both baby and mom are doing exceptionally well.”

Zoo staffers have not determined the sex of the baby yet but reported that the baby was already climbing a tree on the day of its birth.