Scotland's only sloth bear explores new enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo

Scotland’s only sloth bear has been spotted exploring his new enclosure extension at Edinburgh Zoo.

Cipísek, affectionately nicknamed Cipi, arrived at the zoo in July from Zlin Zoo in the Czech Republic.

The zoo has now added an extension to the two-year-old’s enclosure by incorporating the location’s hilly terrain, exposed rock and trees in the space.

This area is in addition to the existing outdoor space and an open grassland featuring a water fountain and wooden climbing frames.

Cipísek has been affectionately nicknamed 'Cipi' by zoo keepers. — Cipísek has been affectionately nicknamed ‘Cipi’ by zoo keepers. RZSS

He also has access to an indoor day den with viewing windows and a private den.

Since the expansion was completed, Cipi has been busy exploring his surroundings by sniffing for insects under rocks, digging through fallen leaves and taking in the view from his lofty vantage point.

The zoo will soon welcome a second sloth bear RZSS

Cipi will soon have an enclosure mate to share the space with, as the conservation charity is set to welcome an additional sloth bear soon.

Sloth bears are found across a large portion of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as the southern lowlands of Nepal and presumably Bhutan.

The species is listed as vulnerable in the wild, with a decreasing population estimated at less than 10,000 individuals on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.