Snuggling comfortably in his mother’s fur, newborn Atty was welcomed to the world just two days ago just as her namesake turned 100.
The Linne’s two-toed sloth is the first to be born in Scotland, with his birth hailed a ‘major milestone’ by keepers at Edinburgh Zoo.
The tiny creature, native to the tropical forests of South and Central America, arrived on Monday to first time parents Feira and Nico.
Named Atty in honour of Sir David Attenborough, who celebrated his 100th birthday just days earlier, he will spend the next six months clutching to his mother and sampling food directly from her mouth.
Scotland's first-ever baby sloth has been born at Edinburgh Zoo
Atty was born to first-time parents Feira and Nico, both aged six
Head keeper Jess Brown said his arrival was ‘groundbreaking’ not just for the zoo, but for Scotland.
She added: ‘Seeing a sloth baby clinging to mum for the very first time has been so special for the whole team and we can’t wait for visitors to see little Atty.
‘He is already showing plenty of personality and visitors might spot a tiny face peeking out from mum’s fur. Nico and Feira are both beautiful animals and a fan-favourite with our visitors so we’re confident he’ll be a big hit’.
The zoo said mum and baby are ‘currently resting’ but visitors will be able to visit the sloth house from 2pm on Wednesday, though opening times for the enclosure may vary over the coming weeks.