There are two Linne’s two-toed sloths here at the zoo, Nico and Feira.

FACT FILE 

• Sloths are sluggish movers with a top speed of just 0.02kmph
• Their metabolism is incredibly slow too, they typically only poo once a week!
• They are good swimmers and can move three times faster in water than on land
• As well as algae, a sloth’s coat can be home to fungi, beetles, moths and other insects
• These sleepyheads spend at least 15 hours a day snoozing and mostly feed at night

HOW WE'RE HELPING

The rainforests of Central and South America are home to six species of sloth. Although Linne’s numbers are strong – classified as least concern – other sloth species are under threat from hunting, habitat loss and the pet trade. Here at RZSS, our sloths are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population.

With help from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, RZSS has been supporting conservation partners in South America, the sloth’s native home, for over a decade. The Giant Armadillo Conservation Project established the first long term ecological study of endangered giant armadillos and the Anteaters & Highways initiative tracks giant anteaters to understand how the species is responding to increasing numbers of roads crossing their habitats in the wild.

Our sloths are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Find out more about our conservation work with ICAS in South America