Facebook , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenIt’s important that there’s at least one thing that reminds us of someone who made a huge impact on our lives.
Baby Oli
Facebook , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenOliver Nicholson brightened not just his parents’ but even a lot of other people’s lives in just 16 months of his life.
He’s Born Early
PexelsOliver was born prematurely along with his twin brother, which caused a serious health condition to him.
His Condition
PexelsBaby Oli was diagnosed with VACTERL, which stands for vertebral defects, a**l atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities.
His Little Friend
PexelsWhile Oli was in the hospital, he would always carry a sloth stuffed animal, which his parents got him as a present after surgery.
Oliver’s Symbol
PexelsThe sloth became a symbol for the family, especially since Oli had two fingers just like a two-toed mammal.
Getting To Know Lightning
PexelsShortly after Oli’s passing on February 17, a family friend told Alex and Alyssa, Oli’s parents, that the Cincinnati Zoo’s two-toed sloth, Lightning, was expecting a baby.
A Petition
PexelsA petition was initiated to convince the zoo to name the new baby after Oliver. More than 81000 people signed the petition, and the zoo confirmed it has heard of the request.
Another Tragedy
Facebook , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenThe zoo shared on Facebook, “Months of anticipation and excitement surrounding the birth of what would have been the zoo’s first sloth baby ended early this morning when Lightning delivered a stillborn pup.”
Honoring Oliver
Facebook , Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenDespite their loss, the zoo hasn’t forgotten about Oliver. In fact, on the following day, they announced, “We are renaming our sloth habitat to honor Oliver Nicholson, who would have been two years old today.”
Watch Cincinnati Zoo’s moving decision in the video below.
Watch Video Here:
