A birth among the branches in front of the public: the first two-toed sloth is born at Bioparc Fuengirola

Life continues to thrive at Bioparc Fuengirola with the birth of the first two-toed sloth in the park's history, ... despite the difficult times experienced with the passing last week of Rawa, a female Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), an endangered species and one of the park's most iconic animals.

The protagonist is Reina, the female two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus), who has given birth to a tiny offspring about 20 centimeters long, as reported by Bioparc. The little one was born covered in fur, fully formed, and instinctively clinging to its mother's body, like a perfect miniature of her. "A scene of extraordinary tenderness that, due to its naturalness and symbolism, has generated enormous anticipation," they noted. The most surprising thing, they explained, is that the birth took place during public opening hours and outdoors, in the large aviary over 14 meters high that recreates the jungle ecosystem where the species lives.

Reina gave birth suspended from the branches of one of the trees, just as she would in her natural habitat. From the outset, the Bioparc Fuengirola team was clear on what the priority was: to respect the natural timings and behaviors of the mother. Although Reina had her indoor shelter set up for weeks so that the birth could take place there if she decided, she ultimately chose the outdoors. The spring temperatures these days favored her being more active despite her advanced state of pregnancy. The result was a birth at height, in one of the trees of the enclosure, on a pleasant day that will be recorded in the park's history.

Reina had her indoor shelter set up for the birth to take place there, but the spring temperatures have contributed to her being more active and the result has been a birth in a tree

"It has been a very long gestation and that's how the monitoring has been. We knew the moment was near. For weeks, Reina had her indoor shelter set up for the birth to take place there, but in the end, it was outside. The spring temperatures have contributed to her being more active and the result has been a birth in one of our trees. We are very happy to welcome this first little one, the first sloth born in Bioparc Fuengirola," the team highlighted.

Up to eleven months of gestation

The gestation of the two-toed sloths lasts about eleven months, an exceptionally long period that requires thorough monitoring. Throughout this time, the veterinary team and caretakers have continuously monitored the physical and behavioral state of Reina, ensuring her well-being in an enriched environment adapted to the needs of the species. The large aviary she shares with exotic birds and small primates allows for the recreation of the conditions of the American tropical rainforests, fostering natural behaviors such as arboreal movement, shelter selection, and environmental interaction.

Sloth babies are born fully developed, with claws that allow them to cling to their mother from the first second of life. They will remain hugged to her for months, feeding on breast milk and slowly learning—at their characteristically leisurely pace—to explore their surroundings.

To ensure maximum well-being in these crucial first days, Reina and her offspring will temporarily remain in the indoor area, under the watchful supervision of the veterinary team and caretakers

To ensure maximum well-being in these crucial first days, Reina and her offspring will temporarily remain in the indoor area, under the watchful supervision of the veterinary team and caretakers. This period will ensure that breastfeeding progresses correctly and that both are in perfect condition before gradually resuming normality in the aviary.

"This birth not only represents extraordinary news for Bioparc Fuengirola but also a symbol of hope and continuity. In a center committed to the conservation of threatened species and environmental education, each new life is a reflection of years of work, dedication, and deep respect for nature," they valued.