Philadelphia Zoo debuted its newest addition -- a delightful sloth bear cub-- born in December to Kayla, the Zoo’s 7-year-old female and 6-year old Bhalu. Debuting today, on the Zoo’s new Facebook Live Program- Philly Zoo at 2pm, the cub ventured outside for the first time ever, romping, playing, climbing and hanging with mom.

“Today Kayla and her cub explored their outdoor exhibit area for the very first time,” says Donna Evernham, Philadelphia Zoo’s Curator of Ungulates and Carnivores. “The adventure was a success, we saw the cub following moms every move and Kayla teaching the cub how to be a bear,” says Evernham.

The birth of this cub highlights the critical work happening at Philadelphia Zoo each and every day. “Our staff continues to work endlessly, both onsite and remotely, to care for our animals,” says Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo’s President & CEO. “Because this shut down will quickly impact our future, we have launched the SPRING BACK Fund to support our operating needs during this difficult time. Philanthropy is a very big part of supporting our mission to connect people with wildlife, and we are grateful for contributions of all sizes,” says Dewan. Supporters should visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org to donate to the Zoo’s SPRING BACK Fund.

Growing by leaps and bounds, weighing in at around 20lbs and crawling and climbing like a pro, the little one is keeping mom on her toes. “We are thrilled to see Kayla and her new cub explore their outdoor exhibit area together,” says Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer. “Though the Zoo is closed to the public, our keeper and veterinary teams are here caring for Kayla and her cub, and doing a great job,” says Dr. Baker. “From planning to preparing exhibit areas, to constant observation and communication, their dedication and exceptional animal care is unmatched. This successful birth and now rearing is important to the overall sloth bear population in the U.S.,” says Baker.

As the cub continues to grow, it will begin to ride on Kayla’s back by clinging to her long fur to get around faster. Eventually it will become more independent, and will continue to grow larger, ultimately weighing up to 300 pounds when fully grown. Still nursing from mom, the infant will learn how to use its unique flexible snouts to suck up termites or ants from trees. Aside from insects, sloth bears also enjoy fruits, flowers, sugar cane and honey.

Native to the lowland forests of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, sloth bears are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with populations declining dramatically in recent decades due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching.

Philadelphia Zoo is home to three sloth bears: 6-year-old Bhalu, 7-year-old Kayla and 13- year-old Balawat.

For more information on, or to donate to the SPRING BACK fund visit, www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Sta connected through Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ZOO:

Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore. Visit our young western lowland gorillas, giraffes, hippos, white rhino, zebras, red pandas, Amur tigers and more at America’s first Zoo. Explore our 42-acre Victorian garden and enjoy award-winning exhibits like Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences. Philadelphia Zoo is the second highest ticketed attraction in Philadelphia, one of the region's foremost conservation organizations and home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats. The Zoo welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors last year. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.