MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The Sunset Zoo in Manhattan has welcomed a new resident to Expedition Asia!
According to Sunset Zoo officials, they welcomed Kartick, a male sloth bear, arrived on Dec. 10, 2025, from the San Diego Zoo as a new mate for Sunset Zoo’s resident female, Tess.
Sunset Zoo welcomes new resident Kartick(Sunset Zoo)
Sunset Zoo’s pairing with Kartick and Tess was recommended for the Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan (SSP). Officials said that the SSP, in cooperation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), evaluates the populations of a particular species in human care at select institutions and makes breeding recommendations based on genetic variability. The Sunset Zoo stated that this move is critical for vulnerable species such as the sloth bear, whose population has decreased by nearly 50% in the last 30 years.
Kartick was born at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, on Dec. 27, 2017, and is currently eight years old. He was transferred to the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then came to Kansas last December. All animals that arrive at Sunset Zoo must undergo a quarantine period to ensure they do not carry any contagious diseases. During this time, they are separated from all other animals until they pass a rigorous veterinary exam.
Sunset Zoo welcomes new resident Kartick(Francis Snow/Sunset Zoo)
Following Kartick’s quarantine, the keepers slowly introduced him to Tess. Officials said that this began with simple moves such as swapping the bedding between the bears so they could get used to each other’s smell. Then they let the bears smell each other through the shift doors. The Sunset Zoo says that they are currently letting one bear into the other’s vacant den, so they can become even more familiar with each other. Taking the process slowly is important for potentially dangerous animals, who have a greater possibility of injuring each other if an introduction goes poorly. Sunset Zoo says the keepers are doing everything they can to ensure the process goes as well as possible.
Officials said the hope is that Kartick and Tess will breed and produce cubs, like Tess’ sister Molly did at the Smithsonian Zoo last December. Sloth bears have a defined breeding season, which usually occurs from about May to July, with cubs born around December or January.
At the moment, Kartick is given access to the outdoor habitat in the mornings, then swaps with Tess for the afternoons. Kartick is distinguishable from Tess by his large, round, very fuzzy ears and keepers say he looks like a teddy bear or Teddy Graham.
Sunset Zoo is open 360 days a year. Summer hours daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2333 Oak Street. The Zoo is tucked inside the residential area near Manhattan High School’s West Campus.
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