Teddy, a two-toed sloth, has officially joined the ranks of proud dads, and thanks to a heartwarming video shared by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, we get a front-row seat to his precious first meeting with his newborn.
Grizzly, the mama sloth, welcomed their healthy baby in February 2022, a joyous occasion that captured the hearts of over 3,000 Facebook users.
In the video, shared on the zoo’s YouTube channel, Grizzly can be seen slowly making her way toward Teddy, who remains blissfully unaware of her approach as he contentedly munches on leaves—a classic dad move. However, once Teddy catches sight of his tiny cub, he instantly shifts into doting-dad mode, showering the baby with sweet nose nuzzles. It’s a tender moment that’s impossible not to love.
Typically, male sloths don’t play a role in raising their young. In the wild, sloth mothers are the primary caregivers, spending up to six months carrying their babies on their chests as they navigate the treetops. During this time, mothers teach their offspring vital skills like climbing, foraging, and even the peculiar but important “poop dance” (yes, it’s a real behavior in sloths). This parenting journey is usually a solo effort.
But Grizzly and Teddy seem to be breaking the mold, embracing a more modern approach to family dynamics. The zoo has pledged to support their choices, with Sarah, one of the bird and mammal curators, noting in a follow-up video that Teddy has been “very smart” about giving Grizzly and the baby the space they need. Talk about healthy boundaries!
It seems this adorable sloth trio will continue to thrive in their sanctuary, delighting fans online with their cuddly bond. The internet can’t get enough of this sweet sloth family!