Newborn Sloth Clinging to Mama at Lincoln Park Zoo

Photo: Hersey, the 21-year-old mother of baby sloth, hang out in the eaves of the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House.

A new sloth infant was born July 25 at Lincoln Park Zoo. Although the sex and measurements of the newborn are yet to be determined, the sloth baby can be seen clinging to its mother in the eaves of the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House.

The sloth infant is the first offspring of breeding pair, 21-year-old mother Hersey, and 32-year-old father Carlos. Hersey and Carlos are part of the Hoffman’s Two-Toed Sloth Species Survival Plan, which cooperative manages the accredited zoo population, the zoo said in a press release.

“The sloth infant appears healthy and is passing critical milestones such as nursing regularly and clinging well to mother,” said curator Diane Mulkerin. “Hersey is a first-time mother and is being very attentive to her new young.”

Hoffman’s two-toed sloths have large hooked claws that help the species hang from treetops in the canopies of tropical rainforests in Central and South America. On average, these sloths weigh around 12 pounds and can reach 27 inches in length and spend nearly all of their time upside down in treetops.

The sloth infant, Hersey and Carlos can be seen on exhibit daily at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sloths are nocturnal so the infant and mother can be seen curled up sleeping in the canopy throughout the day. They become more active towards the evening.