The mystery has been solved: a two-toed sloth baby is expected at ZooParc de Beauval
Many of you have shared your thoughts on social media over the last 24 hours. It’s now time to reveal the news: Whoopi, our two-toed female sloth, is expecting a baby!
Watch our video to see the ultrasound scan carried out on Whoopi, which confirms she is pregnant. A rare moment that allows us to catch a glimpse of the baby-to-be even before it is born.
A two-toed sloth birth expected soon
Although the keepers had already observed several mating sessions between Whoopi and the male, Manni, it was difficult to tell whether she was pregnant. It was only when they noticed her belly becoming increasingly rounded that they decided to carry out an ultrasound scan.
The scan confirmed the good news and even revealed that the pregnancy was further along than expected. The images show, in particular, a spine that is already well developed and a future baby sloth measuring nearly 30 centimetres. According to the vets, the birth is now expected very soon.
A mum-to-be in great shape
Whoopi is doing very well. However, the keepers have noticed a few changes in her daily routine. For several weeks now, she has been coming down to the ground much more often to settle under a small hut, where she enjoys the cool air. Her bump is now clearly visible when she stretches, and her appetite has increased significantly.
To meet her needs, her diet has been adjusted. Whilst the two-toed sloth mainly feeds on foliage, Whoopi is particularly fond of endives, fruit and cooked vegetables, which now make up a larger part of her meals during this gestation period.
A gestation period of nearly 11 months for two-toed sloths
In two-toed sloths, the gestation period lasts around 11 months. At birth, the young measures nearly 25 centimetres and weighs around 340 grams. During its first five weeks, it remains clinging to its mother’s belly before gradually becoming more independent. Weaning usually takes place at around five months of age.
Find out more about the species
Whoopi and Manni, sloths with very different personalities
The parents-to-be are Whoopi and Manni, who arrived at ZooParc de Beauval in 2023. They are easy to tell apart: Manni has a lighter coat, whilst Whoopi is darker. In terms of personality, Whoopi is quite curious but not reckless. She remains cautious and can change her mind quickly. She has a hearty appetite and prefers tasty food.
Manni is more expressive and tends to rush in headlong. Once he’s made up his mind, he usually sees it through to the end. He’s less fussy about food and eats anything. However, Whoopi has a bit of a temper. Manni is quickly put in his place with a few swipes of her paw.
The two get on well. They often lie side by side to sleep, but without being right up against each other. When they pass each other in the enclosure, they give each other a ‘nose kiss’. Their favourite spot, the ‘Y’ in the ficus tree on the right-hand side of the enclosure, is a source of minor rivalries, but generally, Whoopi stays on the left and Manni on the right.
Come and see Whoopi and Manni, our pair of sloths at Beauval
Whoopi and Manni can be seen at the ZooParc de Beauval in the Bird Tropical Greenhouse, where they are most often found in the trees. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might be lucky enough to spot the mum-to-be or catch the two adults exchanging their famous ‘nose kiss’.
Sponsor the sloths and protect biodiversity
By sponsoring the sloths at ZooParc de Beauval, you’re directly supporting the work carried out by Beauval Nature to protect biodiversity. All funds raised are donated to the charity to finance programmes for the conservation of species and their natural habitats around the world.
