Photo courtesy of the National Aviary
A baby sloth became the newest member of the National Aviary’s fleet this week.

By Justin Criado

A baby Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth has joined the flock at the National Aviary in Allegheny Center where he will be hand-raised to be comfortable around people, and to participate in education programs highlighting rainforest species and the dangers they face from rapidly disappearing habitat.

“While the National Aviary is America’s bird zoo, we are delighted to welcome another mammal to our collection,” National Aviary Director Cheryl Tracy said in a statement. “…Our experience has shown that people are more likely to be moved to take conservation action, and to care about faraway places like the rain forest, when they meet and get close to amazing and beautiful creature like this baby sloth.”

Measuring two pounds and 10 inches, the three-month old sloth was flown to Allegheny County from a breeder in Florida Feb 8.

The baby sloth will be on view in the Avian Care Center window starting Feb. 12 and will be part of educational programming once he has had time to mature and get comfortable in his new home. Beginning March 25, visitors may book a 30-minute private encounter during which they will learn about the species and have the opportunity to feed and touch him.