Marwell Zoo's new two-toed sloth -Jemma - moves into home with resident male in hopes they will breed
A sloth at Marwell Zoo has been introduced to its new home as part of a breeding programme
Make sure you look up when visiting Marwell’s Tropical House because you might spot the zoo’s newcomer - Jemma - a Linne’s two-toed sloth.
The sloth recently made the headlines after she travelled from Jersey Zoo to Hampshire’s Marwell Zoo last month as part of a conservation breeding programme.
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Jemma has now joined Marwell’s resident male sloth, Santos, high in the canopy of the Tropical House in the hope the two will eventually breed.
Amy Denny, Marwell’s primates and small mammals team leader, said: “Jemma arrived last month and has been settling in really well. She has plenty of space to explore within the Tropical House, as well as the opportunity to spend time with Santos if she chooses to. The pair have been interacting well and showing positive signs.
“Welcoming Jemma to Marwell is an important step towards future breeding efforts. As sloths are naturally solitary, our Tropical House provides the perfect environment in terms of size and complexity, allowing them to choose where they spend their time within the habitat.”
Initially Jemma and Santos were introduced to each other in a private area of their habitat to give them time and space to become comfortable with each other. They can now explore the Tropical House together or independently, with plenty of space to choose how they spend their time.
Linne’s two-toed sloths are native to the tropical rainforests in South America and face increasing threats in the wild due to habitat loss caused by urban development and human activity.
Jemma’s move was planned in collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-Situ Breeding Programme (EEP), with the pairing recommended by the programme’s co-ordinator.
Amy added: “Sloths are one of the main victims of the ‘wildlife selfie trade’, so responsible tourism plays a vital role in their conservation. We’re proud to provide a habitat that gives them the choice and control - making it all the more special when you look up and spot them on the move.”
Marwell’s Tropical House provides a warm environment that mirrors a rainforest habitat, and is home to free-flying birds including crested wood partridge, Sclater’s crowned pigeon, white-naped pheasant pigeon, Nicobar pigeon, Brazilian tanager, Asian glossy starlings, and Fischer’s turaco.
The bustling forest floor is also features Burmese mountain tortoises, insects such as lesser goliath beetles and a crocodile monitor lizard.