Truth or Tail? Sloths are the slowest mammals on Earth.

Truth!

Sloth are indeed very slow movers. This South American native spend about 15 hours a day sleeping, they rarely climb down from the trees, and even their stomachs and intestines are sluggish. It can take a month for their latest meal to digest! Much like koalas, the sloth’s plant-based diet is the basis for his slow moves. Eating only plant material - and no fat or protein - means the sloth doesn’t have much energy to move quickly. Their bodies have adapted to this lack of nutrients by slowing down. So enjoy a peek of the curled up mammal, but don’t expect much action.

Visit the two-toed sloth at the Zoo's Primate, Cat & Aquatics building on your next Zoo visit. Become a member today and enjoy unlimited daytime admission for an entire year!