Bristol Zoo Gardens’ popular two-toed sloth, Rio, reaches his 20th birthday tomorrow (September 1).
It has already been a landmark year for him as in April he became a father for only the second time when infant, Noco, was born.
It was the first time in 10 years that a sloth had been born at the Zoo and it was significant because in the wild these animals are believed to be increasingly under threat.
The number of two-toed sloths in the wild is currently unknown, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) who list this species as of ‘Least Concern’, but also acknowledge that there is a continuing decline in the size and quality of their rainforest habitats.
Al Toyne, Mammals Team Leader at Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: “Each and every sloth is important. The actions of humans play a huge role in the future of species across the globe - especially those which negatively impact ecological habitats.
“Sloths depend on the rainforests they live in, however agricultural threats such as wood and pulp plantations and the clearing of space for livestock farming and ranching, will no doubt be having an impact on numbers in the wild.
“Sloths are extremely vulnerable on the ground, so without the safety of trees, their future on earth is threatened.”
Rio, along with mate Trixie and their offspring, Noco, are part of a breeding programme for Linne’s two-toed sloths, which will hopefully help safeguard their future.
Al said Rio, Trixie and their infant Noco were all doing well in their enclosure just inside the entrance of the Zoo and by the shop.
He said: “Sloths are remarkable and they are really strong. They have a very clever system where they have to physically open their claws to grip onto branches. When they relax their claws are closed, which is the opposite to us humans.
“It means they can hang suspended for longer periods of time, though they like to sleep with support underneath them.”
Rio has been at the Zoo since 2008 and even though he is 20 years old he could still have many more years ahead of him.
Al said: “Sloths in zoos can certainly live well beyond 30 and some go on to reach their 40th birthdays.”
Bristol Zoo Gardens and its sister site Wild Place Project are run by Bristol Zoological Society which is a conservation and education charity and relies on the generous support of the public not only to fund its important work at both zoos, but also its vital education and community outreach programme.
In March last year the Society launched the BZS Appeal to ensure the future of its work ‘saving wildlife together’ following the temporary closure of both its sites in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As school groups can now be welcomed back to both zoos, donations from the appeal fund will support the Education Bursary Fund, to ensure schools and youth groups in disadvantaged areas are able to benefit from visiting Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project.
To find out more, or to make a donation, visit https://bristolzoo.org.uk/bzsappeal
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