News from the zoo: New arrival from Leipzig - sloth bear "Bodo" moves in with "Bhima"
This morning, sloth bear "Bodo" arrived from Leipzig Zoo. He was born at Leipzig Zoo in 2009 and is now to join "Bhima", the female bear who has been living here for some time.
The release of the Leipzig bear was approved by the European Conservation Breeding Programme, which is run by Leipzig Zoo. There are only very few breeding programmes in European zoos. Chemnitz Zoo began keeping this bear species in 2007. The species is threatened with extinction in its native India. By keeping them, Chemnitz Zoo is continuing its concept of showing the diversity of life forms on this planet and focussing on species threatened with extinction.
"Bodo" has moved into a box in the bear house and will initially be given enough time to rest and settle in after the transfer. He is therefore not yet on display for visitors.
He will remain separate from "Bhima" for the time being, but the two animals will have visual contact and can get to know each other at a short distance. It is not yet possible to say when he and Bhima will meet for the first time and when they will be seen together in the outdoor enclosure. This depends on mutual sympathy and, of course, the weather.
Sloth bears specialise in eating insects, especially termites. They use their long, curved claws to tear open their hard burrows and suck in the termites with the help of their mobile lips and long tongue. However, they also eat plant food.
Opening hours of the zoo:
09:00-17:00, last admission 16:00
Opening hours of the wildlife park:
08:00 to 16:00
Note for editorial offices:"Bodo" will be available for a photo session - but only once the initial excitement and stress of travelling have subsided and he has had a chance to introduce himself to his new partner "Bhima". The press office will inform you in good time when the time has come.