Philadelphia Zoo New Sloth Bear Cubs Named After Two Philly Favorites
Philadelphia Zoo New Sloth Bear Cubs Named After Two Philly Favorites The Philadelphia Zoo has occasionally allowed the public to weigh in on what to name newcomers. This time, the votes…

Philadelphia Zoo New Sloth Bear Cubs Named After Two Philly Favorites
Courtesy of Philly ZooPhiladelphia Zoo New Sloth Bear Cubs Named After Two Philly Favorites
The Philadelphia Zoo has occasionally allowed the public to weigh in on what to name newcomers.
This time, the votes rolled in and showed just how much Philadelphians love their sports.
The two male sloth bear cubs were born on January 2, 2023 to 10-year-old mom Kayla and 10-year-old dad Bhalu. They made their public debut just ahead of the holiday weekend on May 23rd.
Despite popular belief, sloth bears are not related to sloths. Experts say they can move fast and can weigh up to 400 pounds.
The Philadelphia zoo proposed Hall and Oates or Kelce and Harper.
As the votes rolled in, it was clear that the city wanted to honor two of their favorite athletes, Jason Kelce and Bryce Harper.
With the Phillies coming off a World Series run and the Eagles making their way to the Superbowl, there was clearly no competition here.
https://twitter.com/phillyzoo/status/1663318616102559749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1663318616102559749%7Ctwgr%5Eb23c67516d7621f78277d368439fe644351bf30b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F6abc.com%2Fphiladelphia-zoo-sloth-bear-cub-jason-kelce-bryce-harper%2F13319043%2F
You can tune into their Live Sloth Bear Cam to check in on the cubs and see how they're adjusting to life at the zoo.
According to the Philadelphia Zoo website, the birth of the cubs is important for the conservation of this species.
Sloth bears are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
These two will be out on exhibit typically in the afternoons, but will have access to their indoor space.
Delaware Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 86 Species
Delaware Endangered Species List Is Now Up To 86 Species
It's hard to believe that our little state of Delaware is home to a number of threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Some of the best known of these are the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mud Salamander, Sperm Whale, Atlantic Sturgeon, Bethany Beach Firefly and the Delmarva Fox Squirrel.
The Delmarva Fox Squirrel used to be common in the state. These squirrels were nationally listed as an endangered species, but removed in 2015. However, they do remain on Delaware's list. According to DNREC, the squirrel has been reintroduced into the first state in surrounding Delmarva arras in an effort to have them removed from Delaware's list of most endangered. The most recent release was last year, in 2022.
The First State now lists 86 species as endangered or threatened. The law provides regulations for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found. Title 7 of the Annotated Code of Delaware prohibits the importation, transportation, possession, or sale of any part of an endangered species of fish or wildlife.
Here are some of the most endangered species here in the first state. See the full list of all of Delaware's endangered species here.
Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback Turtle spawning
Broad-winged Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk (buteo platypterus) perched on a wooden post
American Kestrel

Kestrel Hunting
Short eared owl

Short eared owl in Washington
Upland Sandpiper

An upland sandpiper stands alert on a fence pole.
Forster’s terns

Forster’s terns perched on partially submerged log
Hooded Warbler

The Hooded Warbler is a New World warbler. It breeds in eastern North America and across the eastern USA and into southernmost Canada,. It is migratory, wintering in Central America and the West Indies.
Plain-Bellied Water Snake

Snake in grass with pinecone
Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) - face to viewer - green background
Sperm Whale

3D render depicting a sperm whale undersea.
Delmarva Fox Squirrel

A Delmarva Fox Squirrel eats a nut in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Young Humpback Whale In Blue Water

A baby humpback whale swims near the surface in blue water
Tree Frog

Green tree frog on a tree bark covered with lichen
Oystercatcher

American oystercatcher (Haematopodidae) (The oystercatchers) migrates off the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Black-crowned night heron looking

Black-crowned night heron, nycticorax nycticorax, looking in water in spring. Small white bird standing in river. Wild feathered animal waiting in swamp.