A Cute Sloth Born On New Year’s Day At The London Zoo Is Named Little Nova
If you’re a fan of cute and cuddly animals, you’re in for a treat! Recently, the London Zoo welcomed a new addition to their family – a two-toed baby sloth named Nova, who was born on New Year’s Day in 2023. Sloths have gained widespread attention in recent years, appearing in popular media projects like Ice Age and Zootopia, capturing viewers’ hearts worldwide with their irresistibly adorable appearance and unique characteristics.
Source: London Zoo
At the London Zoo, Nova’s mother is Marilyn, a sixteen-year-old sloth carefully monitored throughout her 10-11 month pregnancy with regular ultrasounds. Zookeepers kept a close eye on Marilyn over the Christmas period, and they were thrilled when they finally spotted two big brown eyes peering out through her fur, signaling the arrival of the precious baby sloth.
Sloths are known for their long gestation periods and are believed to be fully developed when they are born. As a result, newborn sloths can eat and cling to their mother right away. Nova, the new addition at the London Zoo, is no exception – she is already healthy and adorable, clinging to Marilyn’s tummy as she curls up in her favorite tree.
According to Veronica Heldt, a sloth keeper at the London Zoo, sloth babies are powerful at birth and quickly find a comfortable spot to hug their mother, a position they will maintain until they are around 12 months old. This allows them to develop the muscles needed for a slow and leisurely swinging from tree to tree.
Source: London Zoo
The zoo staff gave the name ” Nova ” to the little one, as it means “new” in Latin. The London Zoo couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year with the arrival of this precious baby sloth.
While the gender of the newborn sloth is not yet known and will be confirmed through a DNA test, it is already a valuable addition to the species. Once the sex is approved, the details of the baby sloth will be added to the European Studbook, and it will participate in a coordinated breeding program for two-toed sloths.
Source: London Zoo
Although Nova is not yet ready to debut publicly, visitors to the London Zoo can still meet Marilyn and Leander, the baby’s proud parents. With their adorable appearance and unique characteristics, sloths are always a hit with animal lovers of all ages.
Source: London Zoo
At the London Zoo, conservation and education are top priorities. The zoo’s dedicated team of keepers, veterinarians, and researchers work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of all their animals, including Nova and her family. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the zoo plays a crucial role in conserving and protecting endangered species like sloths.
