Visitors at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory witnessed an extraordinary event as a two-toed sloth named Sago gave birth unexpectedly. Zookeeper Jill Erzar had suspected Sago's pregnancy, although sloths don’t display visible signs. Sago, usually reclusive, chose to have her birth observed, taking 20 minutes to deliver while hanging upside down. She severed the umbilical cord with her teeth and ingested the placenta, a natural behavior among mammals. The newborn, weighing just under one pound, will be nursed by Sago for the next six to nine months, during which she remains protective and close to her baby.
Sago seems ravenous, but I didn't think much of it. Other than that, we didn't notice any changes. She wasn't restless or anything like that.
I think she wanted to show everyone what she created! Sago severed the umbilical cord with her teeth and proceeded to ingest the placenta.
She's very protective. She's been up in a tree and has the choice to come down, but she hasn't. She's clearly enjoying those snuggles.
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