Sloth Bear Cubs ‘Osborn’ and ‘Champa’ Are Now on Public View at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

The cubs are naturally curious and constantly on the move, she noted — which can be a handful for their mother. Molly has been fiercely protective of her cubs since giving birth last December, but as she settles into motherhood, her "mama bear" instincts are starting to loosen up a bit.

"She's letting Ozzy and Champa venture further away from her than we expected, which wasn't the case before," Tabellario explained.

Though Molly has no trouble telling her cubs apart, it can be a challenge for visitors, said Tabellario. One way to differentiate the cubs is to look at the light patch of fur around their necks: Ozzy's has a gap in the middle, and Champa's is one continuous "necklace". 

Growing Up Sloth Bear

Native to South Asia, sloth bears are recognizable for their long, curved claws and shaggy coats. At around 45 pounds (20 kilograms) each, Ozzy and Champa have plenty of growing to do — adults can weigh up to 300 pounds.

For the first six months of their lives, the cubs stayed under their mother's watchful eye in an off-exhibit den area. Sloth bear cubs are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mothers for warmth and protection. While Molly cared for her cubs, Asia Trail keepers quietly helped manage their care, providing routine health checkups and building bonds with the sloth bear family.

Tabellario said the rambunctious pair can often found dashing across the logs and rockwork and splashing in the shallow pool. "We can tell they're having a blast checking out all the sights and smells."

Who's the Father?

Faithful sloth bear cub-watchers will remember that the cubs' parentage was in question — keepers had observed breeding behavior between Molly and both of the Zoo's male sloth bears, Niko and Deemak. (Like some other mammal species, bears are capable of carrying a single litter sired by multiple males.)

Thanks to the Zoo's genomics team, the mystery has been solved: both cubs were fathered by Niko. Male sloth bears aren't involved in parenting, though the keeper team expects Ozzy will eventually become a playmate for Niko as he gets older.

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