Baby sloth born at National Aquarium

WASHINGTON – The National Aquarium in Baltimore announced the birth of a Linne’s two-toed sloth, named Scout.

Scout was born Nov. 17 and is the second-born sloth to Ivy, who resides in the rain forest exhibit.

Linne’s two-toed sloths are found in South American rain forests and live almost entirely in the trees. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping, according to the aquarium.

They are not endangered. However habitat loss generally forces sloths to the ground, which makes them easy prey for larger animals. They can also be killed trying to cross roads.

Scout joins four other sloths on exhibit and is the fourth born at the aquarium.

The aquarium has set up an online registry to help shower Scout with gifts like donations to help buy vegetables and fruit and to pay for veterinary care.

Scout is expected to remain close to its mother Ivy for almost a year.

Check out the registry to see photos of the sloth. The National Aquarium plans to post videos documenting the baby’s growth and development.

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