The Cincinnati Zoo is home to a diverse collection of sloths, including the captivating Linne’s two-toed sloth. As a zoo touring enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to explore the unique characteristics, conservation efforts, and interactive experiences surrounding these slow-moving, tree-dwelling creatures.
Sloth Species at the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is proud to showcase the Linne’s two-toed sloth, a species that is not currently considered endangered but is facing increasing vulnerability due to human encroachment and activity.
| Sloth Species | Conservation Status |
|---|---|
| Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth | Vulnerable |
Sloth Care and Conservation Efforts
The Cincinnati Zoo has forged a strong partnership with The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica, a renowned organization dedicated to the study, rescue, and rehabilitation of sloths. This collaboration allows the zoo to contribute to the conservation of sloths in their natural habitats.
The funds generated through private sloth encounters at the Cincinnati Zoo are directly channeled into the care of the zoo’s sloths and the support of conservation efforts in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Sloth Behavior and Habitat
Sloths are remarkable creatures that have adapted to conserve energy and evade predators. They move slowly, often hanging upside down by their four-inch long, curved claws, and use the algae that grows on their backs as camouflage.
These tree-dwelling animals spend the majority of their time in the canopy, where they sleep, eat, mate, and even give birth. Interestingly, sloths only venture down to the ground once a week to go to the bathroom at the base of a tree, which may help fertilize their food source.
Sloth Encounters and Exhibits at the Cincinnati Zoo
Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can enjoy unique sloth experiences, such as the Behind The Scenes Sloth Tours. These tours allow guests to join Moe, the zoo’s two-toed sloth, with the proceeds supporting the conservation efforts of The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica.
Additionally, the zoo’s Animal Ambassador Center (AAC) houses sloths, providing visitors with the opportunity to view these fascinating animals through dedicated viewing windows.
Recent Sloth News from the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo recently welcomed a new addition to its sloth family – baby Juno, born on June 7, 2023. The sex of the baby sloth is not yet known and may require DNA testing to determine.
Plan Your Visit to the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with members enjoying early entry at 9 a.m. Visitors can save $10 per ticket on select days by purchasing their tickets online.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Cincinnati Zoo’s sloth exhibits and conservation efforts, visit the zoo’s website at www.cincinnatizoo.org. You can also follow @CincinnatiZoo on social media for the latest sloth updates and photos.
References
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). You Are A…Sloth. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/what-are-you/you-are-a-sloth/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023, July 25). Sloth Baby Debut at the Cincinnati Zoo Slow Due to Mom’s Health. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/sloth-baby-debut-at-the-cincinnati-zoo-slow-due-to-moms-health/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023, June 9). It’s a Slow News Day at the Cincinnati Zoo. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/its-a-slow-news-day-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Two-toed Sloth. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-archive/two-toed-sloth/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023, November 16). Baby Sloth Juno and Mom Eating Corn – Cincinnati Zoo #shorts. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cnz1zqATi3s