Cute Animals
Unbearably Adorable: New Sloth Bear Cubs Melt Hearts at Philadelphia Zoo [Video]
Quick Smiles:
- The Philadelphia Zoo recently announced the names of their almost six-month-old sloth bear cubs, Kelce and Harper, which were chosen through a public poll and pay tribute to Philly’s sports legends Jason Kelce and Bryce Harper.
- These cute cubs are the first sloth bears born at the zoo in more than 30 years, marking a significant contribution to the protection of this vulnerable species, native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
- While the cubs heavily depend on their mother and zoo staff for care, they have already begun exploring on their own, and fans can watch their antics and development via the zoo’s webcam, particularly in the mornings.
Philly, get ready to bear your hearts to your newest sports legends – and they’re not who you might think.
The Philadelphia Zoo announced on Monday that the public has chosen the names of their almost-six-month-old sloth bear brothers, born on Jan 2, in a heartwarming nod to the city’s beloved sports personalities.
Introducing, the bear-y cute Kelce and Harper!
These fuzzy cubs have been named after Jason Kelce of the NFL’s Eagles and Bryce Harper of the MLB’s Phillies, according to an announcement shared via Today.
They won the monikers over Hall and Oates, in a week-long poll that saw over 16,000 votes, with more than 9,000 going towards the winning duo.
Kelce and Harper are the first babies born to proud parents Kayla and Bhalu, both 10, in over three decades.
The zoo currently houses four adult sloth bears, but the birth of these twins is a significant addition.
“Their birth is incredibly important to the protection of this species and we are excited for guests to come to the Zoo and see for themselves what amazing animals they are,” expressed Rachel Metz, Vice President of Animal Well-Being at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Sloth bears, originating from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
They face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human- and weather-related challenges.
Weighing just around 1 lb. at birth, the twins rely heavily on their mother and the dedicated zoo staff for care. This is because, in the world of sloth bears, males aren’t involved in child-rearing.
The little ones are frequently seen hitching a ride on their mother’s back, gripping onto her fur. Yet, these active cubs are also starting to explore on their own tiny paws.
But don’t fret if you can’t visit the Philadelphia Zoo to see the newest members of the city.
You can catch a glimpse of the adorable Kelce and Harper via the zoo’s webcam. The staff suggests the best time to see them frolicking is in the morning.
Celebrate with us as we cheer on Kelce and Harper in their new life journey!
Their adorable antics are a reminder of the beauty of wildlife and the importance of conservation.
These cuddly cubs, named after the city’s sporting heroes, have undoubtedly captured the hearts of Philadelphians and are ready to win over the rest of the world.
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