Zoo eagerly waits for new sloths to arrive

THE Cango Wildlife Ranch (CWR) zoological team is abuzz with excitement as efforts are under way to prepare for the arrival of its newest residents – four Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths.

CWR spokesperson Tammy Moult said the 35-year-old facility had to temporarily close its doors to the public when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and its fund-raising endeavours were drained.

“At the time, we were in the planning stages of a new exhibit. Everything we had planned ground to an extreme halt,” Moult said.

More than a year later, plans recommenced for the new Amazonia exhibit and its sloth residents.

The four Choloepus didactylus, more commonly known as Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths, will join the CWR family on Monday.

These sloths are found from Venezuela and Colombia to eastern Ecuador, as far south as Peru and across to the Atlantic coasts of northern Brazil.

The biology of a sloth allows it to spend 90% of its life hanging upside down, which is made possible by its organs being attached to its rib cage to eliminate pressure on the lungs.

To conserve energy, sloths move more slowly than any other mammal on the planet.

“Our sloths have joined us from a centre called Noah’s Ark, and now form part of only three accredited facilities in South Africa to house these magnificent creatures,” Moult said. The animals had a smooth journey to South Africa, she added.

“They have spent the last 30 days in quarantine and the state vet is very happy with them. Our zoological team is currently en route to meet them for the first time. There is much anticipation in the air.

“We are hard at work to ensure that their habitats meet all their tropical needs, and they will therefore find temporary sanctuary in our Tropical Temple in the Valley of Ancients while we complete their home in Amazonia,” she said.

Walking through this tropical area will give people a glimpse into the wonders of the Amazon and the importance of habitat protection.

“The sloths, various macaws and even agoutis (American rodent species) will reside in this habitat, where we will form an ecosystem that suits all their needs.

“They will form part of our guided tour and education programme, and proceeds will be donated to an Amazon Conservation organisation,” Moult said.