Roger Williams Park Zoo announced on Thursday, July 9 that the newest addition has been given a name. The zoo welcomed a baby sloth back in May and held a “Sloth Naming Fundraiser.” The zoo received nearly 1,000 suggestions through the contest.

“Thanks to your support we raised $15,745 to help us continue our mission of providing quality animal care while protecting wildlife and wild places.”

Out of all of the name suggestions that made it through the final round, “Beany” came out on top with 347 votes. “It also came with a heartwarming story, dedicated to an extraordinary young man who touched the lives of many. 15-year-old Brenton Gaudreault went by the nickname Beany since he was a newborn and he absolutely loved sloths! After a long-fought battle with osteosarcoma, he passed away in June 2020. His mother Mandy often called Brenton “her sloth,” so when she saw the article about the Zoo’s baby naming contest, she knew it was a message from her son. She shared the contest with family and friends, and they showed up in force - donating and voting for Brenton, aka Beany.”

How heartwarming is it to know that Brenton’s loved ones can visit Beany at Roger Williams Park Zoo and feel a little closer to this amazing young man? The zoo is happy to bestow such a precious name to this little one. “We hope that our little sloth can continue to honor Brenton's memory and bring awareness to this little-known childhood cancer.”

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