The circle of life for Durrell’s sloths

A bittersweet story from Jersey Zoo this week as they announce the birth of a baby Linne’s two-toed sloth. The youngster was born on the 15 January 2025, and while both mum and baby are currently doing well, the circle of life is very much in evidence in Trinity this week. To ensure the pair have plenty of time to bond and adjust, the sloth house will remain temporarily closed.

This birth is an important milestone for Jersey Zoo and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP), a pan-European breeding programme for the species. Female Terry and male Rio were paired together under this programme with the hope they would breed, making this new arrival a positive step for the conservation of this fascinating species.

Sadly, Rio, the youngster’s father, passed away a week after the birth. Rio, who was 23 years old, arrived at Jersey Zoo in 2022 from Bristol Zoo, where he spent most of his life, having been born at Amazon World Zoo on the Isle of Wight. Despite preexisting health conditions, including dental and kidney issues, Rio’s health stabilised under the care provided by Jersey Zoo’s dedicated Mammal team and Veterinary Services Department, who kept a close eye on him, carefully monitoring and managing his health and welfare.

In recent months, Rio’s health began to decline. Following a thorough review, the difficult decision was made to euthanise him after his dental condition significantly worsened. “I’m sure Rio will be missed by staff, volunteers and visitors. Despite his ongoing health challenges, the team have done an admirable job caring for Rio during his final years,” said Ben Matthews, Curator of Mammals at Jersey Zoo. “If we reflect on the part the animals in our care play in the wider picture of conservation, we can take solace in the fact that Rio’s important genes have been passed on with the arrival of his offspring. It’s truly a poignant reminder of why we do what we do.”

The zoo’s dedicated team continues to provide expert care to Terry and her newborn during this sensitive time. In the wild, sloths are solitary animals except during breeding, so there are no concerns around Terry living without an adult companion for the time being. The arrival of this new baby sloth highlights the critical role zoos play in conserving species and contributing to their future survival. Jersey Zoo remains steadfast in its mission to save species from extinction and inspire people to value and care for the natural world. Jersey Zoo will announce when they are ready to reopen the sloth house to visitors.