Busch Gardens' Baby Sloth Needs A Name (Video)

TAMPA, FL — People who follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook have been tasked with an important mission. The theme park’s two-toed Linne’s sloth is nearly 2-months old, but she still doesn’t have a name.

Hoping to remedy the situation, the theme park has selected three possible names for the little critter, who was born on April 2. Two of the names are flowers, perhaps a nod to mother Daisy. The third has special meaning to those in the wildlife rescue world.

While the park's staff has come up with three options, it needs fans to vote to decide what the baby will be called. The options are:

• Lily, which means “majesty and honor”
• Iris, which means “hope and friendship”
• Yiscel, which means “beautiful girl.” This name also honors Yiscel Yanguez, the cofounder of the Panamerican Conservation Association. Yanguez rescues, rehabilitates and releases sloths and other wildlife in Panama.

“Daisy and her baby are both happy and healthy and have been monitored around the clock by Busch Gardens’ animal care team,” the park announced Friday. “Some of the baby’s milestones thus far include eating solids, like pears and mangoes, and venturing to hang on its own. Guests can view the baby at Jambo Junction, home to the park’s animal ambassadors.”

Daisy’s baby is one of two born recently at the theme park. She is the first baby born to Daisy and father, Mario. She weighed in at 19.4 ounces.

The second baby, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, was born March 24.

“Sloth births are part of Busch Gardens’ partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP),” the park explained. “The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage species populations within AZA-accredited facilities.”

Hoffman’s two-toed sloths are native to central Brazil, Peru and Nicaragua. They have an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years, according to SeaWorld, but can live more than 30 years in managed situations. Linne’s two-toed sloths are also native to South America, according to The Animal Files. They also live an average of about 20 years.

To vote on a name for Daisy’s baby, visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Facebook page.

For more information about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, visit the park’s website.

Photo and video courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay