Sloth Gives Surprise Birth at Minnesota Zoo: 'It Was a Truly Special Moment'

Sloth Gives Surprise Birth at Minnesota Zoo: 'It Was a Truly Special Moment' https://ift.tt/xIiRfhS

A 6-year-old, two-toed sloth unexpectedly went into labor in her zoo exhibit in front of zoo goers on Wednesday, April 2

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Sloth Sago

The Minnesota Como Park Zoo & Conservatory had an unanticipated birth occur in front of zoo-goers!

A 6-year-old, two-toed sloth named Sago unexpectedly went into labor on Wednesday, April 2, Minnesota’s Como Park Zoo & Conservatory said in a statement.

“We couldn’t have planned a more exciting experience for our guests yesterday! It’s not every day you get to see a sloth being born right in front of you. It was a truly special moment, and Sago is already proving to be a fantastic first-time mom,” senior zookeeper Jill Erzar said. 

Related: English Zoo Celebrates Birth of Eastern Black Rhino, One of World's Rarest Mammals: 'The Most Incredible Privilege'

Erzar suspected that Sago was pregnant because she was purposefully paired with a male named Ziggy for breeding purposes. Although sloths don't show visible signs during their 11.5-month pregnancy, Erzar noticed Sago had more of an appetite in the days before her delivery.

“I remember one of my keepers came to me and said, 'Sago seems ravenous,’ but I didn't think much of it,” Erzar told TODAY.com. "Other than that, we didn't notice any changes. She wasn't restless or anything like that."

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Sloth Sago and her newborn

Although Sago is "typically very reclusive,” Erzar told the outlet she wanted an audience to watch as she gave birth. “I think she wanted to show everyone what she created!” Erzar said of the 20-minute birth. Erzar also confirmed that Sago gave birth upside down on a branch all by herself and there was no medical intervention. 

The newborn sloth is just under one pound, and typically it takes weeks to determine a sloth’s sex. 

“Right now, we’re just enjoying watching the baby bond with Sago,” Erzar said. “It will be a while before we know if we have a little boy or girl, but for now, we’re focused on making sure both mom and baby are thriving.”

Related: Nashville Zoo Announces Birth of Baby Clouded Leopard: 'We Are So Excited'

For the next six to nine months, Sago will nurse her baby. “Female sloths typically spend up to a year raising their young,” the zoo said in a statement.

Erzar said that because Sago prefers one-on-one bonding time, the baby sloth has yet to meet their dad, Ziggy.

“She’s very protective,” Erzar says. “She’s been up in a tree and has the choice to come down, but she hasn’t. She’s clearly enjoying those snuggles.”

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Curious zoo-goers can check out Sago, Ziggy and the baby sloth at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Primate Building.

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