A Sloth Bear Cub’s Guide to Exploring

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, Communications



Tasha watches as one of her brave cubs climbs higher up on a log. Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

What’s better than one sloth bear cub? Two! We are so excited to share new photos of our adult sloth bear, Tasha, and her young cubs. Tasha has left the den and has been guiding her cubs outdoors, letting them climb and explore all the wonderful logs and branches. The cubs love the chance to practice their climbing and check out insect holes. Favorite pastimes seem to be sniffing out the exhibit and playing games of “King of the Branch.”

A curious cub peeks into an insect hole. Photo by Dennis Dow/WPZ.

Leaping sloth bear cub! Destination? Mom’s back; it makes a soft landing pad. The sloth bear is the only bear to carry its young on its back! Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. 

This little cub is getting crazy and showing off some moves! Sloth bear cubs are great climbers, balancing on their large paws. We watched the little cubs scurry up logs and zip down the other sides.  Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

 

The cubs seem to be searching for more honey! Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

A little sibling rivalry—the cubs play “King of the Branch” while Tasha checks out a honey treat that the keepers left for her. Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Tasha is a patient teacher, showing her cubs all of the places where the keepers have drizzled the most honey. Photo by Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo.

 

Mark your calendars for May 4, when the cubs will make their official debut!

NOTE: The sloth bear exhibit is currently off view while construction is completed in the area. A temporary path will open on May 4 to give you access to see the cubs on exhibit. Until then, the cubs' time spent outside is off view to visitors. Thanks for your patience. We promise the cubs are worth the wait!