Sloth Bears
Lincoln Zoo is proud to be home to two incredible sloth bears, Zara and Randhir, who both joined us in 2025 as part of the European Ex-situ Programme (EEP).
Zara arrived from Singapore Zoo and is currently the only female sloth bear in the UK, making her a very special and important addition to the species in this country. Randhir joined us from Leipzig Zoo in Germany, and together they play an important role in raising awareness of this fascinating and vulnerable species.
Sloth bears are native to the forests and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent, where they use their long, powerful claws to break into termite mounds and their flexible lips to suck up insects. With their shaggy black coats, pale chest markings and lively personalities, sloth bears are unlike any other bear species.
By welcoming Zara and Randhir to Lincoln Zoo, we are supporting international conservation efforts and helping visitors learn more about this unique and threatened bear.
Incredible India
Our sloth bears live in Incredible India, a purpose-built habitat created in 2024/25 to provide Zara and Randhir with a spacious, enriching environment designed around their natural behaviours.
The habitat includes climbing structures, digging areas, pools, varied terrain and enrichment opportunities, helping them explore, forage and stay active while giving visitors the chance to learn more about this incredible species.
A Landmark Arrival
After lots of hard work, planning and paperwork, Zara and Randhir finally arrived at Lincoln Zoo in 2025, marking a huge step forward for the European Ex-situ Programme.
As the first sloth bear pair in the UK, their arrival was a proud and emotional moment for the Lincoln Zoo team, and a huge relief after years of dedication to making it happen.
Their Journey to Lincoln Zoo
Randhir made his journey to Lincoln Zoo from Leipzig Zoo in Germany in April 2025, travelling by road and ferry before arriving safely at his new home.
Zara travelled even further, making the incredible journey from Singapore Zoo by plane in October 2025. Their arrivals marked an exciting milestone for Lincoln Zoo and for the future of sloth bears in the UK.
Come and visit them at Lincoln Zoo!
Come and visit Zara and Randhir at Lincoln Zoo and see these incredible sloth bears in their purpose-built Incredible India habitat. Learn more about their unique behaviours, their journey to Lincoln Zoo and the important role they play in the European Ex-situ Programme, while helping us raise awareness for the future of this fascinating and vulnerable species.
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