Loro Parque has announced this week the birth of a new baby two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), with which it renews its commitment to the conservation of biodiversity.
The new pup, born on 27 January, is in perfect health and is being cared for by caregivers and veterinarians to ensure its welfare and growth. In the coming weeks, he will begin to eat solid food and explore the tropical ecosystem created for his species in the park.
The baby’s mother, Pauline, arrived at Loro Parque in 2021 from Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Zoo to pair up with one of the park’s males, Hugo. The birth that has resulted from this union is a great success for the centre and, in particular, for the conservation work of the species.
The transfer was part of the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP) of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), a European programme for the conservation of animal species under human care, with which zoos and aquariums share plans for the management of the species, with breeding and care recommendations, among others.
“Our commitment to conservation and animal welfare is reflected in these milestones in reproduction and breeding, as well as in our research projects, with which we contribute to the preservation of endangered species,” says Dr. Javier Almunia, director of Loro Parque Foundation.
This is confirmed by this new two-toed sloth, a species from South America, which will share space with other species, such as marmosets, iguanas and armadillos, in an environment that recreates the natural environment.
“Successful breeding and rearing under human care will be crucial to ensure the survival of some animal species in the future, and Loro Parque is a leader in this field. We are very proud of our achievements in protecting biodiversity and of our role in educating and raising awareness of the importance of preserving the planet’s fauna and flora,” concludes Dr. Almunia.
About Loro Parque
Loro Parque, an animal embassy with 50 years of history, has the largest and most diverse parrot reserve in the world, as well as species and ecosystems from all five continents. The institution, together with Loro Parque Fundación, maintains a firm commitment to the conservation of biodiversity in the Canary Islands and reinforces the role of modern zoological centres accredited as defenders of endangered wildlife.
The Park has been awarded the Plaque and Gold Medal for Tourist Merit by the Spanish Government and the Gold Medal of the Government of the Canary Islands, among other awards. It has also been recognised with the Prince Felipe Award for Business Excellence and is the first zoo in Europe to obtain the “Human Certified” Animal Welfare Certification from the American Humane Association.
Together with Siam Park, Poema del Mar, Brunelli’s and the Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden, Loro Parque has turned into the most popular tourist attraction in Tenerife and a “Must” in the Canary Islands.
