Hattiesburg zoo's baby sloth dies, possible infection

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg Zoo's newly born baby sloth died early Sunday morning. Zookeepers said they suspect a lower digestive tract infection.

According to the Zoo's Facebook page they are currently determining the cause of death.

"We are deeply saddened to report that our newborn sloth passed away in the early hours of the morning. The baby was receiving around-the-clock care by our zoo veterinarian and our zookeepers after it began showing signs of blood in its stool on Friday. We are uncertain of the nature of its illness but suspect an infection of its lower digestive tract. We will be investigating to determine the cause over the next few days. We are heartbroken at this time, but thank you for your overwhelming support and love for this special little one."

In a Facebook update post the staff said the mother is being comforted and given extra attention.

We have gotten many questions how Mo is doing, and we would like for everyone to know she is handling it well. She is receiving lots of love from her caretakers. The baby was not with Mo for the past 24 hours, but she was able to see the baby after the passing so she could have closure.

The baby sloth was born February 5 and was not given a name until zookeepers determined the gender.