TAMPA, Fla. -- Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is asking fans to help name the park’s female baby sloth.
The baby two-toed Linne’s sloth was born on April 2 to mother, Daisy, in conjunction with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.
The park’s animal care staff selected their top three names, all of which hold a special significance, including:
- Lily, which means “majesty and honor”
- Iris, which means “hope and friendship”
- Yiscel, which means “beautiful girl” and is in honor of Yiscel Yanguez, the co-founder of APPC (Panamerican Conservation Association), who personally rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sloths as well as other naïve wildlife in Panama.
Busch Gardens is giving everyone a chance to vote by simply logging on to the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Facebook page and selecting a favorite name.
Daisy and her baby are both happy and healthy and have been monitored around the clock by Busch Gardens’ animal care team. Some of the baby’s milestones thus far include eating solids, like pears and mangos, and venturing to hang on its own. Guests can view the baby at Jambo Junction, home to the park’s animal ambassadors.
