Get To Know the National Zoo's Growing Sloth Bear Cubs

The two sloth bears born Dec. 7 are growing bigger and cuter by the day! The cubs—a boy and a girl—are being cared for by their mother, Molly, in a den behind-the-scenes at the Asia Trail exhibit. Get to know their names—plus which one is feisty and which one is serious—in this Q+A with keepers Stacey Tabellario and AJ Muheim.  

What are the cubs’ names?  

We are excited to share the male cub’s name is Osborn (“Ozzy for short”), which is of Old Norse origins and means “bear god” or “divine bear.” The female’s name is Champa, the Sanskrit word for a fragrant flower (Magnolia champaca) which symbolizes beauty, grace, and spirituality in the Hindu culture. 

What are their personalities like?  

Ozzy appears to be feisty and silly. From the beginning, he seemed to vocalize more than his sister. Now, he is practicing his bark—a “big bear” vocalization—and recently started biting their mother Molly’s muzzle and paws in play!  

Champa, on the other hand, is quieter and more serious. While Ozzy is barking and playing, she is focused on mastering the art of walking.  

How big are the cubs? 

At 8 weeks old, the cubs are about 7 pounds each. Sloth bear cubs weigh about one pound at birth, so they have grown quite a bit!  

What milestones have the cubs reached so far?  

The cubs' eyes and ears have opened, and their baby teeth have come in. They are also fully covered in hair. Both cubs are just starting to walk, little by little. The first wobbly step they took was my most recent favorite moment.  

They have also been practicing climbing on Molly’s back—a very important sloth bear skill! Sloth bear moms routinely tote their young around on their backs and have an extra shag of fur on their back—called a “saddle”—which the cubs use to cling on tight.  

What is the next big milestone? 

Once the cubs are steady on their feet and can climb on mom’s back, they can begin exploring the world. Sloth bear cubs ride on their mom’s back for safety, so Molly will be able to take them with her wherever she goes. Just recently, they emerged from the den for the first time. In the coming weeks, they will have their first vet exam when they are comfortable being separated from Molly.  

How is Molly adjusting to motherhood? 

Molly is a natural mother and extremely protective. Despite being a first-time mom, she knows exactly what to do and is very attentive and gentle with her cubs.  

Are the cubs still nursing? 

Yes, and they will continue to nurse for 9 months to a year. We will introduce solid foods when they are a little older, before they stop nursing.  

Sloth bears have a long snout, flexible lips, nostrils that can close and large lung capacity. The bears use their lips like a vacuum, blowing dirt and debris away to uncover insects, then sucking them up to consume them. Our adult sloth bears receive a variety of insects, fruits, vegetables, nuts and bear chow (kibble) to eat. It will be interesting to learn which foods Ozzy and Champa prefer!  

I want to help sloth bears! What can I do?  

We hope our amazing and adorable cubs pique your curiosity about these unique animals! In addition to caring for our animal ambassadors here, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo contributes to sloth bear conservation in Asia. Along with our partners in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) sloth bear program, our scientists participate in wildlife surveys and monitoring efforts across the species’ range countries. When you visit, become a Zoo member, or donate, you help support these conservation projects around the world!  

Can’t get enough of our cute cubs? Neither can we! Ozzy and Champa will make their public debut in spring when the weather warms. While you wait, sign up for our e-newsletter for more sweet behind-the-scenes moments with our sloth bear family.