Cleveland Zoo Welcomes Adorable Sloth Bear Cub, Seeks Public’s Help in Naming Her

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is bursting with excitement over the recent arrival of a rare and precious creature: a female sloth bear cub. Born in December to mother Shiva, aged 10, and father Balawat, aged 19, the tiny cub has been thriving under the watchful eye of her dedicated caretakers. This adorable addition marks a significant moment for the zoo and highlights the crucial conservation efforts aimed at protecting this vulnerable species.

At birth, the unnamed cub weighed a mere 16 ounces, a testament to her delicate beginnings. The early weeks were dedicated to fostering a strong bond between the cub and Shiva, allowing the mother to nurture and care for her offspring in a secure and comfortable environment. This crucial bonding period is essential for the cub’s development and overall well-being, ensuring she receives the necessary care and attention to flourish.

The cub is the second offspring of Shiva and Balawat, solidifying their contribution to the conservation of sloth bears. Sloth bears, native to the diverse landscapes of India and Sri Lanka, face an increasingly precarious existence due to various threats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated the species as "vulnerable" on its Red List of Threatened Species, underscoring the urgency of conservation initiatives.

The primary challenges confronting sloth bears are habitat loss and degradation. As human populations expand, their settlements encroach upon bear habitats, leading to deforestation and fragmentation of their natural environment. This disruption forces bears into closer proximity with humans, resulting in conflicts that often end tragically for the animals. Human-wildlife conflict, poaching for body parts, capture for trade and elimination as perceived pests exacerbate the threat to their survival.

Over the past few weeks, the cub has demonstrated remarkable progress, growing stronger and more active with each passing day. One of the most endearing milestones she has achieved is the ability to climb onto her mother’s back, a characteristic behavior of sloth bears. This unique adaptation allows cubs to learn how to navigate their environment while remaining protected and secure. This milestone is crucial as the cub prepares to make her public debut at Susie’s Bear Hollow this spring, where visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at her cuteness and learn about the challenges facing her species.

To involve the community in this special event, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has launched a unique initiative: a public naming opportunity. A donation page has been created, inviting individuals to contribute towards the selection of the cub’s name. The zoo has presented three meaningful options, each carrying a special significance:

• Kamali: meaning "perfect lotus," symbolizing purity, beauty, and enlightenment.
• Sahana: meaning "patience," representing the resilience and perseverance of the sloth bear species.
• Suhani or Su: meaning "pleasant," reflecting the cub’s charming and delightful nature.

The name that garners the most donations by the deadline of midnight on March 25 will be declared the winner and officially bestowed upon the adorable cub. All donations will be channeled towards the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAVE) sloth bear conservation program, ensuring that the public’s participation directly contributes to the protection of sloth bears in the wild.

Dr. Chris Kuhar, Executive Director of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome this new cub and proud to be part of the global effort to protect this species. The public naming opportunity gives our community the ability to make an impact to secure a future for wildlife by helping to protect sloth bears in the wild."

Sloth bears are fascinating creatures, distinguished by their dusty-black coats, curved claws, and short-haired muzzles. Despite their name, they are not related to sloths and are far from being slow-moving. In fact, they are agile bears capable of outrunning humans, especially when threatened. Their diet consists primarily of termites and ants, which they extract from their nests using their specialized claws and snout.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute classifies the sloth bear as vulnerable to extinction, estimating that there are only 20,000 or fewer individuals remaining in the wild. Their population has suffered a significant decline of 30 to 49 percent in the last 30 years, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

While sloth bears are shy and prefer to avoid human encounters, they can be formidable adversaries if provoked. Sadly, they are responsible for a disproportionate number of human fatalities compared to other bear species, largely due to the high population density in their habitat. It’s crucial to remember that sloth bears are innocent creatures who deserve our respect and protection.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s initiative is part of a wider trend among zoos to involve the public in naming new animal arrivals. The El Paso Zoo in Texas is currently accepting votes for the name of its newest giraffe calf, while the Denver Zoo is seeking donations to help name its endangered reticulated giraffe calf.

By participating in these naming opportunities, individuals not only get the chance to contribute to the well-being of these adorable animals but also play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s sloth bear cub represents a beacon of hope for the future of this vulnerable species. By uniting together, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.