A Name for Our Baby Sloth
Born on January 22, the adorable offspring of female Tica and male Poui-Poui is now nearly one month old. Still clinging tightly to its mother’s belly, the little one is curiously observing its world. A first health check-up will be conducted by our veterinary team between the ages of 2 and 6 months. Until then, it will gradually begin to explore its environment independently and start trying solid foods. At this stage, it’s impossible to determine whether the baby is male or female, as sloths have internal reproductive organs and both sexes look alike externally.
From the three gender-neutral names proposed by our Zoo team, you made your choice: which one won the popular vote—Paz, Luz, or Nuqui?
Peace, Light, or Paradise on Earth?
Since sloths originate from South America, the team wanted to honor their natural roots with a name in Spanish. Paz means “peace,” Luz means “light,” and Nuqui refers to a “paradise on Earth.”
The birth of a two-toed sloth was a true celebration for our Zoo family—a real ray of sunshine in the cold of our Quebec winter.
This feeling of warmth and joy inspired the names “Luz” and “Nuqui.” “Paz,” on the other hand, reflects the sloth’s peaceful nature, its calm and soothing demeanor.
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And the Winner Is…
The first two-toed sloth ever born at Granby Zoo is officially named PAZ!
Many of you on social media mentioned that in these uncertain times, we could all use a little more peace in our lives—this sentiment tipped the scales! An overwhelming majority voted for this beautiful name. Nuqui came in second, followed by Luz.
Who are the Sloths?
This peculiar mammal, which spends its life hanging upside down, is a testament to Mother Nature’s creativity.
Both its appearance and way of life are unique — completely different from the North American mammals we’re used to.
Here are some of its fascinating characteristics :
The name “sloth” comes from its slow lifestyle — it sleeps nearly 16 hours a day, and even when awake, it moves at a leisurely pace.
To support its tree-dwelling lifestyle, it has high blood pressure to push blood to its limbs while hanging.
Not only are its movements slow—its metabolism is, too! Food can remain in its digestive system for up to a month, and it may defecate, by going down to the ground, as little as once a week.
Its fur is unique: the hair strands have grooves and cracks that allow microscopic algae to grow. In a warm and humid climate, its coat can quickly become home to single-celled algae, giving it a greenish tint.
Its movement speed is incredibly slow. Studies suggest that, in captivity, sloths move at an average speed of 0.27 to 0.6 km/h, with a maximum of 1.6 km/h when moving through the trees.
