Will There Be a Love Connection in the Zoo's Small Mammals Building?
Nentas may make a love connection with Fezzik,
as the pair is recommended to breed.
Posted February 2021
Even though the Small Mammals building is currently closed due to COVID-19 guidelines, we’re excited to announce the addition of a new resident female Hoffmann's two-toed sloth, Nentas. She will reside in the Sloth habitat with Fezzik. They are a recommended breeding pair by the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth Species Survival Plan®.
Nentas arrived from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and will be 25 years old in March. Zookeepers describe her as sweet and gentle. Her favorite food is squash.
The Introduction Process:
Once she was cleared from the routine quarantine time at the Animal Health Center (AHC), the introductions began. First, Fezzik was brought to the AHC to meet her. The next step was to have Nentas explore the habitat while Fezzik remained at the AHC.
The final step was to return Fezzik to his habitat to let them interact, while the zookeepers kept a watchful eye. Fezzik continues his daily routines (including painting for enrichment!) and doesn’t seem at all unsettled by the addition of Nentas.
 Nentas is comfortable in her crate, while Fezzik is on the move (slowly) in the habitat! |
“There was a lot of curiosity when they came face to face for the first time. She does push him away sometimes if he is too forward”, explained Rhonda, Small Mammals Supervisor. “He tried to get in her crate while she was still in there and there is not enough room for both of them.”
Because sloths are more active during the night, zookeepers do not see a lot of interaction in the daytime. Rhonda stated, “They hang out separately most of the time; she loves her crate and he still loves his box. Keeping our fingers crossed for babies!” With all animals, only time will tell if there will be a love connection. Watch for updates here and on social media.
Fast Facts:
Sloths are native to Central and South America and can be found living in the trees.- Two-toed sloths have two toes with claws on the front feet and three toes on the back feet.
- Their curved, sharp claws are 3 to 4 inches long, which helps them hang onto tree branches.
- When sleeping, sloths often curl up in a ball in the fork of a tree (or in Fezzik’s case, his box).
- Sloths move slowly due to the low nutritional value of their leafy diet.
- Sloths can sleep 15 to 18 hours a day.
Celebrate the love with our adorable sloth collection, available for sale online now!
