EDINBURGH Zoo has announced that they are getting ready to welcome some new arrivals – their first ever sloth bears.
The zoo has appealed for donations to help build a new habitat for these creatures, including a play den and walkway.
The sloth bears will live in the former home of the zoo’s pandas, who lived there until 2023.
Sloth bears, also known as the Indian bear, are at risk of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss.
Sloth bears have been given the name as they were once believed to be related to tree sloths due to their thick claws and unusual teeth.
Edinburgh Zoo said yesterday: “Sloth bears are coming to the zoo for the first time ever.
“We are hard at work building a new habitat for the vulnerable species, which is at risk of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss.
“Visitors will be able to get up close to this amazing species, who are known for being particularly noisy – their snuffling and snorting sounds can be heard from 100 metres away.
“Find out more ? http://rzss.org.uk/sloth-bear-appeal”
David Field, RZSS CEO, said: “The sloth bear’s forest and grassland homes are vanishing and many fall victim to poachers.
“By welcoming this species, visitors will be able to learn more about these amazing animals and what we can all do to help protect them in the wild.
“Within the new area here at the zoo, there will be plenty of outdoor space for them to roam, a play den providing visitors with amazing views and areas where children of all ages can imagine what it’s like to be a bear.
“Visitors will be able to get up close to this amazing species, who are known for being particularly noisy.
“Their snuffling and snorting sounds can be heard from 100 metres away.”