Two orphaned sloths have a new family thanks to Zoo Miami.
The zoo’s Goodwill Ambassador Ron Magill, and Senior Zookeeper Kristen Kendrick flew to Panama this week to receive “Chelsea” and “Pete,” a pair of 2-year-old two-toed sloths. The sloths are expected to arrive in Miami Friday night.
Chelsea and Pete come from the Pan American Conservation Association, which is considered one of the most successful wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Panama.
Their new role will be to educate the public about the efforts to protect sloths from the illegal pet trade.
The slow-moving mammals are typically found in tropical forests in Central and South America, feeding on the leaves of Cecropia trees. They are also excellent swimmers.
A number of agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Minister of the Environment in Panama have helped coordinate their rehabilitation.