{"id":16160,"date":"2025-07-01T14:06:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/?p=16160"},"modified":"2025-07-01T14:06:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:06:39","slug":"salisbury-zoo-mourns-loss-of-beloved-two-toed-sloth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-mourns-loss-of-beloved-two-toed-sloth\/","title":{"rendered":"Salisbury Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Two-Toed Sloth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>SALISBURY, Maryland<\/strong> \u2014 The Salisbury Zoo is grieving the recent loss of Bayou, a four-year-old Linne\u2019s two-toed sloth cherished by staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. In recent weeks, Bayou\u2019s health declined rapidly, with signs including weight loss, increased urination, and reduced appetite. Veterinary tests at the Ron Benton Animal Health Clinic diagnosed her with end-stage renal disease, an irreversible and serious condition. After consulting with specialists, the zoo\u2019s team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Bayou to prevent further suffering. Throughout her care, Bayou participated cooperatively in medical procedures thanks to positive reinforcement training. This approach allowed staff to monitor her health with minimal stress, including blood pressure checks, blood draws, and fluid administration. She received a specially managed diet, extra fluids, and outdoor time in sunlight to support her comfort. Bayou arrived at Salisbury Zoo in 2022 from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. She was born in November 2020 to parents Buttercup and Raven, who previously lived at Salisbury before relocating to Louisiana. Known for her gentle nature, Bayou often rested in her hammock and slowly explored her habitat, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who cared for her.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bayou.jpg?resize=679%2C538&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bayou.jpg?w=679&amp;ssl=1 679w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bayou.jpg?resize=300%2C238&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo: Salisbury Zoo Facebook Page<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SALISBURY, Maryland \u2014 The Salisbury Zoo is grieving the recent loss of Bayou, a four-year-old Linne\u2019s two-toed sloth cherished by staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. In recent weeks, Bayou\u2019s health declined rapidly, with signs including weight loss, increased urination, and reduced appetite. Veterinary tests at the Ron Benton Animal Health Clinic diagnosed her with end-stage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bayou.jpg?fit=679%2C538&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-4cE","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":19304,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-announces-death-of-longtime-resident-canada-lynx-chayne\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":0},"title":"SALISBURY ZOO ANNOUNCES DEATH OF LONGTIME RESIDENT CANADA LYNX CHAYNE","author":"admin","date":"November 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY Md. - The Salisbury Zoo has announced the death of Chayne, a 17 year old Canada lynx and one of the facility\u2019s longest lived animals. Zoo officials said Chayne had been receiving long term medical care for age related conditions, including renal disease and arthritis, and that staff had\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lynx.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lynx.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lynx.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lynx.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/lynx.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13651,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-announces-passing-of-capybara\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":1},"title":"Salisbury Zoo Announces Passing of Capybara","author":"admin","date":"April 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY, Md. \u2014 The Salisbury Zoo is mourning the loss of Faith, a 10-year-old capybara that was euthanized following a rapid health decline. Veterinary staff discovered she had internal tumors and a hemoabdomen, leaving no viable treatment options. Faith had been at the zoo since she was six months old,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/capybara.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/capybara.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/capybara.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19748,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-announces-addition-of-new-male-spectacled-owl-to-exhibit\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":2},"title":"SALISBURY ZOO ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF NEW MALE SPECTACLED OWL TO EXHIBIT","author":"admin","date":"December 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY, Md. \u2013 The Salisbury Zoo has introduced a new male Spectacled Owl named Bosque to join its resident female, Luna. Bosque is just over one year old, while Luna is 28. Zoo officials said the pair has adjusted well, showing positive interactions that contribute to their social enrichment. The\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/owl.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/owl.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/owl.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/owl.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/owl.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19607,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-introduces-first-herd-of-endangered-chacoan-peccaries\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":3},"title":"SALISBURY ZOO INTRODUCES FIRST HERD OF ENDANGERED CHACOAN PECCARIES","author":"admin","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY Md. \u2013 The Salisbury Zoo has introduced five Chacoan peccaries to its collection, marking the first time the endangered species has been displayed at the facility, according to information released by zoo officials. Chacoan peccaries are native to the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. Although commonly\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61542,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/second-rescued-sloth-dies-at-florida-zoo-after-transfer-from-failed-tourist-attraction\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":4},"title":"Second Rescued Sloth Dies at Florida Zoo After Transfer from Failed Tourist Attraction","author":"Admin","date":"May 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Another sloth has died at a Central Florida zoo after being rescued from a troubled Orlando tourist attraction that never opened. The sloth, named Habanero, was euthanized to prevent further suffering after initially showing signs of recovery from severe malnutrition.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;U.S. News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"U.S. News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/us-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1777908268154.jpg?fit=1000%2C663&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1777908268154.jpg?fit=1000%2C663&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1777908268154.jpg?fit=1000%2C663&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1777908268154.jpg?fit=1000%2C663&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19570,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-to-host-quiet-holiday-event-for-children-with-sensory-needs\/","url_meta":{"origin":16160,"position":5},"title":"SALISBURY ZOO TO HOST QUIET HOLIDAY EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SENSORY NEEDS","author":"admin","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY Md. \u2013 The Salisbury Zoo is planning a December event designed for children and individuals who may struggle in typical holiday environments. The program, called Zoothing Lights, limits attendance and scales back visual and audio stimulation to create a calmer experience. According to zoo officials, the initiative is intended\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/the-salisbury-zoothing-lights-promo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/the-salisbury-zoothing-lights-promo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/the-salisbury-zoothing-lights-promo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/the-salisbury-zoothing-lights-promo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/the-salisbury-zoothing-lights-promo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16160"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16163,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16160\/revisions\/16163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}