Idaho Falls Zoo welcomes new sloth bear cub

The Idaho Falls Zoo has a new cub for visitors to see this season. For the second time in zoo history, a sloth bear cub has been born at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

The male sloth bear cub was born on November 18, 2016, completely hairless and weighed about as much as a can of soda. When the cub is full-grown, he will weigh over 300 pounds.

Since his birth, the cub has been under the constant care of his mother, Priya, as well as the Idaho Falls Zoo animal care and veterinary staff to ensure he remained in good health.

This is the third cub and second pregnancy for mother Priya. Mick, the cub’s father, is in a separate area from Priya and her cub as adult male bears have the potential to be aggressive towards cubs.

Because the Idaho Falls Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the management of the sloth bears is advised by a national Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan developed and reviewed annually by a team of experts from across the country. This program helps monitor sloth bears at AZA accredited zoos to ensure their wellbeing, genetic health and survival. The birth of this new cub is a step forward for the long-term health of the sloth bear species. Sloth bears are listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Human population growth causing higher demands for natural resources is the biggest threat to the wild sloth bear populations. Sloth bears live predominately in India.