While the Smithsonian’s National Zoo recently announced that it is expecting a new Asian elephant baby to be born soon, the zoo just shared that it has welcomed two new sloth bear cubs!
What we know about the sloth bear cubs
The two sloth bear cubs were born at an off-exhibit den in the Zoo’s Asia Trail exhibit on December 7th, at 2:30 and 4:30 am, respectively.
These cubs are the first sloth bears born at the National Zoo since December 29th, 2013, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts to protect and sustain what the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute refers to as a “rare species” that is currently considered ‘vulnerable’.
What we know about the cubs’ health
As of January 7th, both cubs appear to be “healthy and thriving” alongside their mother, Molly, a 6-year-old sloth bear who just arrived at the National Zoo in April 2025.
This week, on January 6th, at around a month old, the cubs began to finally grow their fur and open their eyes for the first time.
What are the cubs going to be named?
As of right now (January 7th), the cubs have not been named, nor has the sex of either cub been identified.
Traditionally, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo hosts an online competition to help decide the names of any newborn animals at the zoo.
While no such announcement for a naming contest of the sloth bear cubs has been made at this time, a naming contest could be announced in the near future, after the sex of the two cubs has been determined.
When are the cubs going to make their debut?
The two sloth bear cubs are still tucked away with their mother, Molly, in their private den located off-exhibit on the Zoo’s Asia Trail.
The expected debut for the cubs is set for Spring 2026, when the cubs and their mother will finally exit their private den and begin to explore the outdoor space of their exhibit.
No specific date for the debut has been set, but as Spring approaches, a more exact date might be announced.