Cincinnati Zoo sloth delivers stillborn pup

CINCINNATI — The anticipation and excitement that was building for the arrival of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s first baby sloth ended today after Lightning, the zoo’s sloth, delivered a stillborn pup.

The hours-long labor took place this morning, according to a release.

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“This was an incredibly tough day for our Zoo team and our Zoo community, and I’m saddened for our zookeepers that have given so much to Lightning during her pregnancy,” Meredith Hughes, Cincinnati Zoo’s curator of ambassador animals & outreach, said.

Hughes acknowledged the zoo’s veterinarians and care staff for their “incredible resiliency and exceptional dedication.”

“While this result was not what we had hoped, their focus has shifted to making sure that Lightning remains healthy and comfortable in the weeks ahead,” Hughes said.

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Zoo officials said the pup would have been Lightning’s first. David Orban, Cincinnati Zoo’s director of animal science and strategy, said while they knew a stillborn delivery was possible, there was not any indication that this would happen. The baby seemed fine throughout the pregnancy, with a heartbeat visible on multiple ultrasounds in the months leading up to this morning.

Officials said Lightning is resting in the zoo’s Animal Ambassador Center. She will remain there for the time being, but will likely be reunited with her companion, Moe, at some point in the future.

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