ARIZONA NEWS

Two-toed sloth named Fern will soon be on display at Phoenix Zoo

Dec 8, 2017, 11:59 AM

(Facebook/Phoenix Zoo)...

(Facebook/Phoenix Zoo)

(Facebook/Phoenix Zoo)

PHOENIX — The holidays are right around the corner, but a local zoo has already been granted a gift: The Phoenix Zoo is welcoming a new member to its family.

Fernando, or Fern for short, is a one-year-old two-toed sloth who will soon be on display at the zoo.

Zoo spokeswoman Mary Yoder said Fern came to the zoo about a month ago and has spent the majority of his days sleeping.

“He’s pretty laid back, he sleeps a lot,” Yoder said. “If you come to the zoo, you’ll probably just see a ball of fur.”

Yoder said Fern often falls asleep about an hour before sunrise and wakes up about half an hour after sunset.

But when the sloth is awake, Yoder said he often cannot stop moving. Yoder said the zoo has put up camera traps in Fern’s cage and have noticed that he is very mobile and moves all over the place.

Even though he is very mobile, Yoder said he is a very slow mover, something zoo guests can see for themselves when it is time for Fern to get fed.

“It takes him a long time to reach up and grab the food,” she said.

But Yoder said Fern is “pretty adorable” and is nearly full-grown, despite his young age.

Guests who want to visit Fern can see him on display at the Phoenix Zoo in a week or two.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

This rendering shows what the Mesa Grandview Business Park will look like upon completion. (Photo v...

Serena O'Sullivan

Construction starts on 270,000-square-foot industrial development in Mesa’s Falcon District

Several companies related to the Mesa Grandview Business Park gathered with city officials for the groundbreaking of the industrial development.

3 hours ago

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning...

David Veenstra

CarMax hiring for new West Valley reconditioning and auction center

CarMax, the nation’s largest used vehicle seller, is hiring after announcing a new reconditioning and auction center in the West Valley on Thursday.

4 hours ago

Emergency air medical base opens at Abrazo West Campus Goodyear...

Serena O'Sullivan

New emergency helicopter base opens at West Valley hospital

A new emergency air medical base in Goodyear will expand the presence of life-saving care provider Air Methods, the company said on Wednesday.

6 hours ago

DOGE access lawsuit...

KTAR.com

Arizona to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

Arizona is about 12 states that plan to sue over DOGE access to government payment systems containing personal data

7 hours ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

9 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Two-toed sloth named Fern will soon be on display at Phoenix Zoo