Sloth Bear Cubs Kelce & Harper Set to Move from Philadelphia Zoo as Part of Species Survival Plan

We have some bittersweet news to share: our one-and-a-half-year-old sloth bear cubs Kelce and Harper will be moving to Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas sometime in late spring/early summer. The move comes as a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). Sloth bear cubs only stay with their mother for up to two years, and momma Kayla and the cubs are both demonstrating behaviors that it is the right time for the cubs to head to their new home.

Named after legendary Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper, the cubs were instant stars when they made their public debut about a year ago. With their charming and playful personalities, the pair quickly became beloved by staff, volunteers, members and guests alike!

Are sloth bear cubs Kelce and Harper moving to another zoo?

One-and-a-half-year-old sloth bear cubs Kelce and Harper are moving to another Zoo after a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). The Sloth Bear SSP, like other SSPs, is an effort to ensure a healthy, self-sustaining, and genetically diverse population of the species. The Sloth Bear SSP is active across all AZA accredited zoos throughout the United States and other countries that have this species. The SSP considers what is best for the genetics and the demographics of the overall population, while also considering the need of each individual bear within each zoo.

Why are Kelce and Harper moving to another Zoo?

Mom Kayla is showing signs that it’s time for her cubs to move on to their next phase of life. In the wild, it is typical for cubs to stay with their mother for one to two years.

When are Kelce and Harper moving to another Zoo?

Kelce and Harper will be traveling to their new home sometime in late spring early/early summer. The departure date will be dependent on weather and other factors including pre-move physical exams.

What zoo are Kelce and Harper moving to?

As we work jointly with AZA accredited zoos across the world, we coordinate the announcements of animals leave and arriving. We are pleased to share that Kelce and Harper will be moving to Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas.

Is this a typical age for sloth bear cubs to leave their mom?

In the wild, sloth bear cubs stay with their mother for only one to two years. They may voluntarily leave their moms, or could be pushed out by mom. In human care, the Zoo’s animal experts closely monitor their behavior. Kayla and the cubs are both demonstrating behaviors that now is the right time for the cubs to move on.

Can I visit Kelce and Harper before they leave?

Yes! Guests are welcomed to visit the Zoo during our daytime hours from 9:30am – 5:00pm through the end of May to see the cubs. The cubs and mom Kayla are typically on exhibit from 9:30am-11am and again from 2pm-4:30pm.

How will they get to their new zoo?

Right now, the Zoo’s keeper team is working with the cubs to train them to voluntarily enter crates they will be traveling in, and feel comfortable in them. During their travels, they will be closely monitored to ensure their comfort and safety.

What bears will continue to live at Philadelphia Zoo?

Sloth bear female Kayla (11), male Bhalu (10) and male Andean bear Sinchi (4) will continue to live at the Zoo.

How do we anticipate mom Kayla’s reaction to this change?

Since cubs naturally leave mom between one to two years, we do not anticipate Kayla having any adverse responses to Kelce & Harper’s departure. Our animal experts will be keeping a close eye on any behavioral changes to ensure she is adjusting well.

What is the status of sloth bears in the wild?

Sloth bears are found in the lowland forests of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with populations decreasing dramatically in recent decades due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching.

Sloth Bear Facts:

• They have flexible snouts with protruding upper and lower lips and powerful lungs that allow them to dislodge and eat termites and ants that are 8-10 feet underground.
• They are also missing their top incisors, which allows them to suck up termites more efficiently.
• They can voluntarily close their nostrils to make sure no insects enter their nose.
• Aside from insects, sloth bears eat fruits, flowers and honey.
• They have long, dark shaggy fur with a distinct, cream-colored “U” or “Y” shaped marking on their chests.
• Adult males can weigh between 175-310 lbs. Females are smaller and weigh 120-210 lbs.
• Sloth bears are the only bears to carry young on their backs.