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Name: Linus
Location: John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Curator: Cheryl Dykstra
Species: Hoffman's Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)
Age: Unknown; approximately 23 - 25 years old
Weight: 27 to 28 pounds (12.2 - 12.7 kg)
Length: Unknown; presumably around 25 - 30 inches (63.5 - 76.2 cm)
Hair Color: Brown and white.
Origins: Linus was purchased by the Milwaukee Zoo from a dealer in Miami as an infant. He was dubbed "Linus" due to a blanket he was fond of as he was weaned from his mother by the zoo. The John Ball Zoo acquired him from Milwaukee in 1983 along with several female specimens (none of whom were his mother). These other specimens died over the years due to various health issues; Linus himself became quite ill in the early 2000's but was successfully nursed back to health.
Favorite Treats: Hard-boiled eggs and grapes.
Physical Anomalies: One of his long, pointed cheek teeth is crooked and points outwards. Every so often it will break off and regrow, but this anomaly has never been fully corrected. Linus does not seem to be bothered by his crooked tooth.
- Listen to our interview with Kim Godby at the John Ball Zoo!