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

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