They may move slow, but sloths have crawled their way into our hearts! We’re celebrating International Sloth Day by sharing some updates about our six two-toed sloths.

Dustin

Age: 18

Been at the Zoo since: 2006

Currently residing: Rainforest Revealed habitat with two saki monkeys, two golden-headed lion tamarins and a red-footed tortoise

What he’s up to: For an older gentleman, Dustin is doing great! He is the father of all of our youngsters born here at the Zoo. Dustin quite enjoys getting peanuts during training sessions with his keepers.

Sammy

Age: 16

Been at the Zoo since: 2017

Currently residing: Rainforest Revealed habitat with daughter Indie, two female saki monkeys and a yellow-footed tortoise

What she’s up to: Sammy has earned the “Mother of the Year” award as she’s proven time and time again that she is an excellent mom. After successfully raising Tango, Sammy gave birth to Indie earlier this year. She is very patient—even when little Indie climbs all over her. Sammy knows her name very well and will come down from the high tunnels when keepers call for her. Her favorite snack is leaf eater biscuits!

Tango

Age: 8

Been at the Zoo since: 2016

Currently residing: Rainforest Revealed habitat with two male saki monkeys and a red-footed tortoise

What she’s up to: Tango is highly motivated, making her training sessions with keepers very successful! She appears to thoroughly enjoy all training sessions—whether it’s target training, crating, ultrasound training or general tactile. Tango is the mother of Lorenzo and our youngest male. While she did not take to either youngster and both were hand-raised by keepers, her offspring are doing great! Tango’s favorite snacks are zucchini and yellow squash.

Lorenzo

Age: 3

Been at the Zoo since: 2018

Currently residing: Rainforest Revealed habitat adjacent to coatimundi

What he’s up to: Lorenzo was the first-ever sloth to be hand-raised at our Zoo and he holds an extra-special place in his keepers’ hearts. As a newborn, Lorenzo was bottle-fed around the clock by a dedicated team of keepers, and he was even named after animal curator, Lauren Hinson, with whom he shares a special bond. Lorenzo is very social and often goes for “walks” in the sunshine with his keepers. One of his favorite snacks is sweet potato.

Indie

Age: Six months

Been at the Zoo since: 2021

Currently residing: Rainforest Revealed habitat with mom Sammy, two female saki monkeys and a yellow-footed tortoise

What she’s up to: Indie was born at the Zoo in April of this year and has been doing great! Keepers have noted how special it is to get to watch this little one grow up under the care of her doting mom, Sammy. She can often be seen climbing on Sammy around their habitat. When it comes to food, Indie is a “monster” and loves munching on just about anything!

Yet-to-be-Named Baby Boy Sloth

Age: Five months

Been at the Zoo since: 2021

Currently residing: Behind the scenes area of the Zoo

What he’s up to: Like his brother Lorenzo, this little guy was hand-raised by keepers after his mom, Tango, did not show an interest in him. After attempting to reunite the two as we did with Lorenzo, a small team of keepers stepped in and has dedicated long hours to raising this little guy behind the scenes. The youngster is very independent and loves to explore new areas! Keepers say that he loves all food, especially greens, carrots and green beans. He is still being bottle-fed, and his ultimate favorite food is goat’s milk!

Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths are native to the rainforests of northern South America. In their natural range, sloths help disperse native plants by swallowing seeds in one location and defecating them elsewhere. While sloths do not make good pets due to their very specific dietary and veterinary needs, you can get your sloth fix on your next visit to the Zoo!

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Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.