Akron Zoo Acquires a Male and Female Sloth Bear From Different Zoos

By David Barnhardt

Akron, OH - For the first time in its history sloth bears will be on exhibit at the Akron Zoo. The zoo has acquired a male and female from different zoos and, once introduced, they will be on exhibit together everyday. Currently they will alternate days on exhibit.

The female sloth bear, Keesha, 13, has been at the zoo less than two weeks arriving from the National Zoo in Washington D.C. Bala, 3, the male bear, arrived just last week from the San Diego Zoo. They are on exhibit in the Bear Ruins, which used to house sun bears. Since the bears are coming from separate zoos the keepers will do introductions with the bears in their indoor enclosures. Once the bears are acclimated they will be on exhibit together. The zoo did receive a recommendation to breed the bears through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of SSP’s is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, SSP’s are a proactive approach to preventing extinction.

Sloth bears are small bears, weighing about 150 – 300 pounds and standing 5-6 foot tall. Sloth bears are mostly black in color and have shaggy coats. Ironically, they have a similar marking to the sun bears, with a cream colored “V” shaped marking on their chests. The zoo’s female sun bear, Muffin, who has cancer, has been moved to the zoo’s Animal Care Facility for closer observation and treatments.

As announced last month, the zoo is also awaiting the arrival of three one-year old Sumatran tigers from the San Francisco Zoo, a female snow leopard from the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan and a new red panda from the Erie Zoo. Their arrivals are expected over the next couple of months.

Updated announcements will be made when the animals are expected to be on exhibit. People may also check the Akron Zoo’s website, www.akronzoo.org, for current updates on the status of these acquisitions.

The Akron Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals from around the world, is open 361 days a year. Winter hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $6.00 per person and parking is $2.00. For more information call (330) 375-2550 or visit www.akronzoo.org

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

To view Akron Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-165-Akron_Zoo_in_Ohio