Sloth bear “Pabu” bound for Arkansas
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park has announced that Pabu, a young male sloth bear, will be relocated to the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas Friday.
Pabu was born in late 2016. The move was arranged as part of the Species Survival Plan managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Sloth bears predominately live in India.
“We are going to miss the silly antics and big personality of this mischievous little guy,” says Carnivore Keeper Dallas LaDucer, “but it’s time for him to begin a new phase in his life.”
The survival plan is aimed at preserving the long-term health of the sloth bear species. The goal is to pair him with a female in hopes of someday having a breeding pair. They are described as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Human population growth is their biggest threat.
“Sloth bear cubs stay with their moms for around two years and mom will start encouraging the cub to move on when they’re a little over a year old,” says Darrell Markum, general curator. “It’s a perfect time for Pabu to move to his new home at Little Rock Zoo and we know he’ll have a wonderful home in Arkansas.”
Thursday will be the last day Idaho Falls zoo-goers can see Pabu.
