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Hours & Pricing

Sloth bear

Melursus ursinus

Status

Vulnerable

Activity Period

Varies

Classification

Mammal

Not slow-moving or sloth-like at all!

Originally placed in the sloth family in 1791 due to their long thick claws, missing front teeth, and ability to hang upside down in trees. But upon further study, they were re-classified into the bear family.

You can feed sloth bear Paji Thursdays – Sundays from 2:30 – 3PM during the St. Luke’s Health Plan Sloth Bear Encounter!

tiger licking cage

Habitat

Sloth bears are found in a wide variety of habitats in the grasslands and forests of South Asia.

Range

They live in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. They used to be found in Bangladesh, but their range has shrunk over time with the population.

Life Expectancy

Documented to live as long as 35 years under human care. In their native habitat, they live an average of 15 years.

Diet

Sloth bears are omnivorous. Their diet consists of termites, other insects, grubs, grass, honey, eggs, carrion, fruits, berries, and flowers. Zoo Boise mimics this diet, subbing in mealworms for termites.

Social Structure

Sloth bears are primarily solitary animals, aside from mating season and raising cubs. Cubs stay with mom for approximately 1-2.5 years; they're the only bears to carry young on their backs.

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