San Diego Zoo Welcomes New Two-Toed Sloth Pup

The baby sloth, born to mother Xena on August 16, is currently residing at the zoo's Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a two-toed sloth holding a baby in a lush, leafy tropical tree. — A two-toed sloth pup born on August 16 is now on display with its mother at the San Diego Zoo. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A Linnaeus's two-toed sloth was born at the San Diego Zoo on August 16, 2026. The pup currently lives with its mother, Xena, at the Rady Presentation Area within Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

Why it matters

The birth offers visitors a rare look at the developmental bond between mother and pup, as the youngster is expected to remain attached to its mother for the next several months. This observation helps highlight the unique biology of the species.

The sloth pup is expected to cling to its mother's fur for six months as she moves through the trees. International Sloth Day, established by the nonprofit AIUNAU in 2010, is celebrated annually on October 20.

The players

San Diego Zoo

This globally recognized institution is a major center for wildlife conservation and education.

Xena

She is the mother of the newborn sloth pup currently living at the zoo.

AIUNAU

This is the nonprofit organization that founded International Sloth Day in 2010.

The details

The sloth pup currently stays close to its mother, Xena, who actively navigates their habitat and repositions herself to ensure the pup remains comfortable. The pair can be observed by the public at the zoo's Rady Presentation Area.

August 16, 2026: The baby Linnaeus's two-toed sloth was born.
2010: The nonprofit AIUNAU founded International Sloth Day.
October 20, 2026: The annual observance of International Sloth Day.

Culture Shift

The birth highlights a growing global interest in sloth conservation, which has been fostered since the founding of International Sloth Day in 2010. This trend reflects a shift toward using public awareness days to support non-traditional ambassador species in zoos.

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can observe the mother and pup as they navigate their habitat at the Rady Presentation Area. Planning a visit around educational events can provide deeper insight into how mother sloths carry their pups.

The takeaway

The birth provides a rare opportunity to observe the long-term dependency of sloth pups on their mothers. Guests are encouraged to respect the pair's space during their time at the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.