In human years, they would be in their early teens. However, they are still quite young and may or may not breed this year. Both Niko and Remi are sexually mature at three and four years old, respectively. Niko and Remi will receive a recommendation to breed from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). When will we see sloth bear cubs at the zoo? In the wild, these bears “vaccum” up approximately half a million termites a day! Termites and ants make up the majority of their diet in the wild, but they will supplement that with fruit when it is in season. To help keep the bugs from biting them, sloth bears have a long, shaggy coat that consists of what we call “guard hairs.” They do not have the undercoat that other species of bears have. Sloth bears are built specifically for sucking up insects they have a long muzzle, floppy lips, a nose flap that can close, a concave palate, and their two front top incisors missing. What is your favorite fact about sloth bears? Niko has also learned a number of complex medical behaviors such as leaning against the mesh for a voluntary injection or extending his arm out of the enclosure and into a sleeve for voluntary blood draws. The more complex the behavior, the bigger the treat! For medical behaviors, which can take more time and patience to master, he gets something very special, such as honey or peanut butter. All of these behaviors help us to get a good look at him and ensure he is healthy and does not have any injuries. Niko has learned a number of basic husbandry behaviors, such as opening his mouth so we can look at his teeth, standing up so we can see his belly, and putting his front and back paws on the mesh so we can monitor the condition of his foot pads. If they do, we give them a reward-usually a piece of their favorite food along with lots of verbal praise from their keepers. We use positive reinforcement training with our sloth bears, which means that they always have the choice to participate in their own care. It is extremely helpful to the animal care team that he knows behaviors that help us evaluate his health, but it also makes a visit from the vet less stressful for him. We started daily training sessions with Niko as soon as he arrived in quarantine. He enthusiastically participates and seems to enjoy the one-on-one attention he receives from keepers, especially. Sometimes, they will go off and explore one or both habitats on their own. Often, Remi will lead Niko on chases around the yard or playfully swat at him from behind a tree or rock. Now that warm weather is in the forecast, Niko and Remi are much more active and can be seen playing together in the yard. Sloth bears are native to India, Sri Lanka and southern Nepal, so it is often too chilly for them to go outside in winter. This has all been a learning experience for Remi, but once she realized Niko would back off when she “asked” him, she became more agreeable to having a companion. For the most part, she seems to enjoy Niko’s company and is not afraid to put him in his place or lay down the rules before she plays with him. Remi likes to take new relationships slowly. He spends most of his time following her around and rarely ventures too far from her. From the get go, Niko was very excited to meet Remi. Our bear pair have lived together for two months.
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