San Diego Zoo Welcomes Two-Toed Sloth Pup
Visitors to the Rady Presentation Area can now observe the new sloth pup as it clings to its mother.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wildlife
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A Linnaeus's two-toed sloth pup was born at the San Diego Zoo on August 16, 2026. The infant currently resides with its mother, Xena, at the zoo's Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Rady Presentation Area.
Why it matters
The arrival of the new pup offers San Diego residents a rare look at the slow-paced development of this tropical species in a local setting. The sloth, whose sex remains unknown, will spend the next several months in close contact with its mother.
The sloth pup, born on August 16, is the offspring of mother Xena and is currently viewable at the Rady Presentation Area. While the pup's sex is unknown, it is expected to remain clinging to its mother for approximately six months.
The players
San Diego Zoo
A world-renowned conservation and research institution that focuses on protecting endangered species and providing public wildlife education.
AIUNAU
A nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of sloths that founded International Sloth Day in 2010.
The details
Linnaeus's two-toed sloths are adapted for life in the canopy, and newborns instinctually cling to their mother's fur for security. To ensure the pup remains comfortable and secure during this stage, the mother actively navigates the habitat and repositions herself as needed.
Timeline
• August 16, 2026: The sloth pup was born at the San Diego Zoo.
• October 20, 2026: International Sloth Day, founded by AIUNAU in 2010, is celebrated.
The Home Front
The arrival of the pup follows a global trend of increased institutional focus on sloth conservation and public education. This movement is anchored by the annual celebration of International Sloth Day, which helps drive awareness for the species' unique environmental needs.
Families visiting the Rady Presentation Area can observe the natural behavior of the mother and pup as they navigate their habitat. Plan your visit with an awareness that the pup will likely remain attached to its mother's fur for approximately six months.
The takeaway
Understanding the mother-pup bond is key to appreciating how two-toed sloths survive in the wild. Keep an eye out for updates on the pup's development as it moves toward more independent exploration within the enclosure over the coming months.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to protect animal habitats in the San Diego Wildlife section.
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