Jemma the sloth is settling in at her own pace

Visitors to Marwell Zoo can now spot a brand-new arrival quite literally hanging around, as Jemma the sloth settles into her new home in the Energy for Life: Tropical House.

Jemma, a Linne’s two-toed sloth, recently made the headlines when she travelled from Jersey Zoo to Marwell as part of a conservation breeding programme.

Now she’s joined our resident male sloth, Santos, high in the canopy of the Tropical House in the hope the two will eventually breed.

Initially Jemma and Santos were introduced to each other in a private area of their habitat to give them time to settle and become comfortable with each other. Now they can happily explore the Tropical House together or independently, with plenty of space to choose how they spend their time.

Native to the tropical rainforests in South America, Linne’s two-toed sloths face increasing threats in the wild due to habitat loss caused by urban development and human activity. Coordinated breeding programmes in zoos play a vital role in maintaining healthy populations and safeguarding the species for the future.

Jemma’s move was planned in collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-Situ Breeding Programme (EEP), with the pairing recommended by the programme’s co-ordinator.

Our Tropical House provides a warm, immersive environment that mirrors a rainforest habitat. As well as the sloth, there are free-flying birds including crested wood partridge, Sclater’s crowned pigeon, white-naped pheasant pigeon, Nicobar pigeon, Brazilian tanager, Asian glossy starlings, and Fischer’s turaco.

And the bustling forest floor is home to Burmese mountain tortoises, insects such as lesser goliath beetles and a crocodile monitor lizard.

Adding to the excitement, in the last few weeks the Tropical House also welcomed some new chicks – the roul roul partridge and silver-eared mesia chicks.

Marwell’s Primates and Small Mammals Team Leader Amy Denny said: “Jemma arrived last month and has been settling in really well. She has plenty of space to explore within the Tropical House, as well as the opportunity to spend time with Santos if she chooses to. The pair have been interacting well and showing positive signs.

“Welcoming Jemma to Marwell is an important step towards future breeding efforts. As sloths are naturally solitary, our Tropical House provides the perfect environment in terms of size and complexity, allowing them to choose where they spend their time within the habitat.

“Sloths are one of the main victims of the ‘wildlife selfie trade’, so responsible tourism plays a vital role in their conservation. We’re proud to provide a habitat that gives them the choice and control – making it all the more special when you look up and spot them on the move.”

Marwell’s vital conservation projects in the UK and around the globe are supported by income from visitors and members. Find out more about becoming a Marwell member or book tickets to Marwell today.