Zoo Atlanta’s sloth family grows with addition of newborn

The infant was born on Friday, August 9, according to a zoo news release.

ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) — Nutella, a Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth at Zoo Atlanta, gave birth to her second offspring last week, and it’s now available for viewing.

The infant was born on Friday, August 9, according to a zoo news release. It’s the second offspring for 7-year-old Nutella and 31-year-old Cocoa, 31, who welcomed their firstborn, Olivia, on Father’s Day in 2023.

According to the release, sloths are famous for their slow movements, but sloth infants actually develop quickly; they’re born fully furred with open eyes, teeth and developed claws for clinging to their mothers.

“We are very excited about the birth of Nutella’s infant,” Vice President of Collections and Conservation Dr. Gina Ferrie said. “Sloths have so many fascinating adaptations and behaviors that we can share with our Members and guests, and while they are not currently classified as endangered, they have an emerging conservation story that can help us appreciate the impact of human activities on wild animals and ecosystems.”

Native to Central and South America, Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths face threats like habitat loss and electrocution from power lines. Zoo Atlanta supports the Sloth Conservation Project in Costa Rica, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured sloths.

Nutella and her infant can be seen daily in the summer sloth habitat at the KIDZone, weather permitting. Visit zooatlanta.com for more information.