Jersey Zoo’s sloth house has been closed following the “unexpected” death of its adult female – leaving her ten-month-old baby without parents.
In a statement, the Zoo said: “We are heartbroken to announce the sudden and unexpected death of our much-loved female sloth Terry.
“The postmortem examination identified a piece of chewed food lodged in her airway; however, further results are still pending.”
Terry’s death follows the loss of Jersey Zoo’s male sloth, Rio, earlier this year.
The 23-year-old was put down in January following struggles with a pre-existing health condition.
The pair had been part of the breeding programme for Linne’s two-toed sloths, a species native to the rainforests of South America.
Just a week before Rio’s death, Terry gave birth to baby Jemma in January.
In the statement today, the Zoo said keepers are closely monitoring the ten-month-old as she adjusts to life without her mother.
The sloth house has been closed until further notice.
A spokesperson for Durrell said: “Terry was much loved by staff, members and visitors and will be hugely missed.
“We appreciate everyone’s kindness and understanding during this time while we process this sad news.”