Sloth Birth: A rare and unforgettable moment occurred at Minnesota’s Como Park Zoo & Conservatory when Sago, a 6-year-old two-toed sloth, gave birth unexpectedly on April 2. The zoo-goers were in for a real treat, as they witnessed the entire birth process, which lasted around 20 minutes, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Senior zookeeper Jill Erzar had suspected that Sago was pregnant after noticing her increased appetite in the days leading up to the birth. Although sloths have a long, hard-to-detect 11.5-month pregnancy, the signs were subtle, with no major changes in behavior. As a result, the sloth birth came as a surprise to everyone present.
Sloth Birth Experience at Como Park Zoo
Guests at Como Park Zoo were lucky enough to witness this incredible sloth birth firsthand. What made the event even more special was that Sago, despite being typically reclusive, chose to share this intimate moment with the audience. Giving birth upside down on a tree branch, Sago was able to bring her newborn into the world all on her own, with no medical assistance needed.
The baby sloth, weighing just under a pound, is still too young to determine its sex. Sago is being a fantastic mother, and the zoo team is focusing on ensuring both mother and baby thrive. For the next several months, Sago will nurture and bond with her newborn in the safety of the zoo’s habitat.
What’s Next for the Baby Sloth After Birth?
While Sago’s bond with her baby is growing stronger by the day, the newborn hasn’t yet met its father, Ziggy. Sago is a very protective mother and prefers to keep her baby close, away from the crowd, and high up in the trees. For now, she’s enjoying the precious moments of bonding with her little one.
Sloth births are rare and fascinating to witness, and Como Park Zoo’s latest event was a perfect example of nature’s beauty. It’s clear that Sago is doing everything she can to give her baby the best start in life.
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Source: www.people.com
