Did you know?
Due to their peculiar appearance sloth bears were once thought to be related to sloths, hence their English name „sloth bear“. Their bodies are optimally adapted to feed on ants and termites, which they suck up by producing a vacuum with their long protruding lips, their closable nostrils and their very hollowed palate.
European Endangered species Program
This animal is managed by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) under the European Endangered species Program.
today's feeding / commenting
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Characteristics
| Classification | Order: carnivores, family: bears |
|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily termites and ants, but also fruits, honey, flowers and occasionally also smaller vertebrates |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical forests of the lowlands as well forest edges |
| Reproduction | Mating season: June to July; gestation period with delayed implantation of fertilised embryo: 6–8 months; weaning: 12–16 months; sexually mature at 2–3 years; maximum age: over 32 years |
Status according to Red List
More information you will get on the web page of the IUCN Red List.
