Cleveland Zoo's Sloth Bear Cub Gets Name

CLEVELAND - The sloth bear cub at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been named.

After public voting on three possibilities, the zoo announced that the cub has been named Shala. The name is an homage to the cub's parents, Shiva and Balawat. The name is also derived from the sloth bear's native land of India.

The naming competition, with voters donating money to support their name of choice, netted more than $2,400 to support work fighting illegal wildlife trafficking.

Shiva and Shala will be both take part in the animal enrichment this weekend at the zoo's fifth annual KidsDay event. During the weekend, families can do crafts, visit with costumed characters, play mini golf, take part in a dance party and more. All of the activities are included with the price of regular zoo admission.