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Animals
MPR News Staff
Updated:

Como Zoo visitors get a surprise: Witnessing the birth of a baby sloth

A sloth holds a baby while hanging from a branch.
Six-year-old sloth Sago holds her newborn baby while hanging from a large branch at the Como Zoo.
Courtesy of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

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Visitors to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul got a surprise on Wednesday when a two-toed sloth gave birth while on exhibit.

The baby sloth was born to a 6-year-old female named Sago and a 3-year-old male named Ziggy.

“We’re kind of in shock,” said Jill Erzar, senior zookeeper.

Sloths usually give birth at night, but the birth of Sago and Ziggy’s newborn happened during the day.

“Right now, we’re just enjoying watching the baby bond with Sago,” Erzar added. “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.”

A sloth holds a baby while hanging from a branch.
Six-year-old sloth Sago holds her newborn baby while hanging from a large branch at the Como Zoo.
Courtesy of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Sloths do nearly everything upside down, including giving birth.

“[Sago] held the baby up to her chest,” Erzar said. “She cleaned the baby off. She severed the umbilicus. She took care of the placenta herself. She’s been snuggling with the baby ever since.”

The gestation period for two-toed sloths is about 11.5 months. The zoo says baby sloths usually remain attached to their mothers for about six months, regularly suckling small amounts of milk throughout the day. A female sloth will typically spend up to a year raising her baby. During that time, it’s best to give mother and baby a little space.

“Sago is a female I would not want to mess with,” Erzar said. “She is very protective.”

Sago and Ziggy and the baby sloth remain on exhibit, but the lights have been dimmed to allow some privacy.