Sloth Bear Twinsies
Two new additions at the San Diego zoo make their debut
These little pink-snouted cuties with their sweet heart-shaped mouths are sloth bears. First-time mom Shala gave birth to twins in December at the San Diego zoo. After several weeks of bonding in a private den, the pair and their mother recently made their first public appearance.
Sloth bears are native to the Indian subcontinent and are sometimes called Indian bears. Although his coloration is described more like that of a brown bear, Baloo, the wise and sleepy bear from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is modeled from sloth bears, mixing the Hindustani word for “bear” of bhalu and the character’s drowsiness as a play on the word sloth. The “sloth” in their name is attributed to 18th century zoologist George Shaw who believed them related to tree sloths due to their unusual teeth and long claws, but in fact they are not related, nor are they slow-moving. In fact, a sloth bear can easily outrun a human.
The sloth bear’s lips and mouth are adapted to sucking up and eating insects, termites being a favorite meal. These bears have the ability to close up their nose to protect from insects crawling into their nostrils as they eat. Their coarse fur might seem at odds with their living in a hot climate, but in fact the adaptation protects them from termite bites. The long fur is also useful for transporting cubs, who can grasp their mother’s coat as she carries them on her back, protecting them from predators as she forages for fruit, termites and ants.
Sloth bears are listed as “vulnerable” due to habitat loss and poaching. The bear is still illegally hunted for its gall bladder, which some people mistakenly believe has health restorative properties. A 1972 Indian law prohibits sloth bears from being used for entertainment, although the harmful practice of forcing the animals to “dance” as street performers is still somewhat widespread. Several protection and conservation organizations exist within the subcontinent to educate people about sloth bears and to rescue exploited bears, and to protect habitats where they live. San Diego Zoo is participating in efforts to study the bears’ behaviors and needs, aiding efforts in helping to preserve the species.
CBS News: "See two sloth bear cubs make their debut at San Diego Zoo" by Kerry Breen, 2/14/25
San Diego Wildlife Alliance: Sloth Bear
Animal Diversity Web: "Melursus ursinus - sloth bear" by LeeAnn Bies
Ta, Martini. I was completely unfamiliar with this species; never read The Jungle Book.
I did not know that Baloo was a sloth bear. Of course I did not know what a sloth bear was until Martini educated me. I wondered why their noses were shaped like that. Clever evolution. I know I wouldn't want bugs crawling up my nostrils. Babby bears are adorable but don't try to hug them! Momma bear will not be happy if you do. Thanks, Martini, for the adorables and the learning.