Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to the fascinating Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, a species known for its slow movements, arboreal lifestyle, and unique adaptations. As a zoo touring enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about these captivating creatures and even interact with them through specialized experiences.
Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth: The Residents of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths are the residents of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, hailing from the lush forests of Central and South America. These sloths are characterized by their distinctive features, including:
- Slow Movement: Sloths are renowned for their incredibly slow movements, which can be as little as 0.15 meters per minute.
- Arboreal Lifestyle: Sloths spend the majority of their time in the trees, moving from branch to branch with their specialized limbs and claws.
- Unique Adaptations: Sloths have a range of adaptations that allow them to conserve energy, such as a low metabolic rate, a specialized digestive system, and the ability to turn their heads 270 degrees.
Sloth Meet & Greet: Engage with the Residents
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a unique Sloth Meet & Greet experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures. This 30-minute encounter includes:
- Assisting in the preparation of the sloth’s diet and enrichment activities
- A one-on-one experience with a sloth
- Learning about the sloth’s personal stories, their species’ role in their habitats, and conservation efforts
The Sloth Meet & Greet is available for adults and children aged 5 and up, with a cost of $180.75 for members (for two people) and $230.75 for non-members (for two people). Additional participants can join for $50.75 each, with a maximum group size of six.
Sloth Encounter: A Deeper Dive
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a Sloth Encounter (ages 10+). This 30-minute encounter includes:
- Assisting in feeding the sloth with appropriate utensils
- Meeting the keeper(s) and taking photos of the sloth behind-the-scenes
- Learning about the sloth’s behavior, habitat, and conservation
The Sloth Encounter is available for up to four people for $475, with additional participants allowed for $95.75 each (max group size of six). This encounter also includes admission to the Zoo for the day and supports Quarters for Conservation.
Aysan and Bosco: The Resident Sloths
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to two Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths, Aysan and Bosco. Aysan is an 8-year-old female who joined Bosco, a 31-year-old male, for a breeding recommendation. The two sloths have settled in together and can often be seen on opposite sides of the atrium.
Booking and Cancellations
Both the Sloth Meet & Greet and Sloth Encounter require a one-week advance booking. Cancellations with a minimum 24-hour notice will be refunded, and rescheduling may be available.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Sloth experiences offer a unique opportunity for zoo touring enthusiasts to engage with these fascinating creatures. Whether you choose the Sloth Meet & Greet or the Sloth Encounter, you’ll have the chance to learn about the sloths’ biology, behavior, and conservation efforts, while also supporting the zoo’s mission.
References:
– Sloth Meet & Greet
– Sloth Encounter
– Sloth News and Updates