The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania introduced its new Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth to the public Tuesday.
The baby girl sloth was born August 21st. Her name is Vivien, named after actress Vivien Leigh. Measuring about 14 in. long and weighing almost 2.5 pounds, Vivien made her appearance in the arms of her caretakers, tucked cozily in a fuzzy pink blanket.
National Aviary Director of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Pilar Fish conducted a checkup to assess her growth and overall health, and at the end of the exam pronounced the little sloth in excellent health.
Vivien will be hand-raised by National Aviary experts, so that she’ll be comfortable around people and well prepared for her role as an educational ambassador.
Sloths are rainforest animals whose habitat is rapidly diminishing due to human activity. Officials at the National Aviary say guests who meet the new baby sloth will learn about the importance of conservation and what steps they can take to protect rainforest creatures.
Vivien will greet visitors daily at 12:30 p.m. during one of her regular feeding times. Beginning February 1st , visitors will be able to book a 30-minute private encounter during which they will learn about the species and have the opportunity to touch the sloth, and take photos.