Two-toed sloth News

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Male two-toed sloth, Vlad, hangs by all four feet from the top of his exhibit. His head is tilted toward keeper, Ann, who is standing below and to the right of Vlad. Ann has a piece of food in her right hand, which is raised up toward Vlad.
December 03, 2021

Small Enrichment, Big Difference: How to Care for Small Mammals ›

From smart shrews to clever coatis, every animal in Small Mammal House receives enrichment. Learn how the animal care team puts together puzzle feeders, sprinkles spices and comes up with creative elements that ensure animals keep physically active and mentally sharp.

Zoo nutritionist, Erin, holds screaming hairy armadillo, Sherman. Erin is wearing a black mask, navy jacket and light blue latex gloves. Sherman's front paws rest on Erin's left hand as he too looks at the camera.
November 04, 2021

How to Care and Feed Elephants, Sloths and More ›

Get a taste of the challenges animal nutritionist Erin Kendrick faces as she formulates diets for all animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

A southern two-toed sloth with coarse fur, long limbs and curved claws hangs upside-down from a tree branch.
June 04, 2021

How to Care for Sloths ›

Slow down with Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s three southern two-toed sloths. Keeper Kara Ingraham works with Athena and Vlad in the Small Mammal House, and keeper Denny Charlton tends to Howie in Amazonia. Find out what it takes to care for these unique animals!

Red panda Asa eating a bamboo shoot at Asia Trail.
June 05, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: May 2020 ›

Behold a brunch between a sloth and a golden lion tamarin, catch a close-up of newborn black-footed ferret kits and get a glimpse of giant pandas gorging themselves on bamboo shoots. All of these events (and more) made for a memorable May at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology...

Red panda Asa with St. Patrick's Day enrichment.
April 03, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: March 2020 Edition ›

From flamingo courtships to weekly weigh-ins for the African lions, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is buzzing with beastly activity behind the scenes!

A southern two-toed sloth with coarse fur, long limbs and curved claws hangs upside-down from a tree branch.
December 23, 2019

New Two-toed Sloth Arrives at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›

The Small Mammal House has a new resident worth slowing down for: Athena, a 1½-year-old female two-toed sloth.

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October 18, 2019

Why are Sloths So Slow? And Other Sloth Facts ›

Can sloth swim? What do they eat? And why are they so slow? Impress your friends and ace your next online quiz with these fun facts about sloths to celebrate International Sloth Day on Oct. 20.

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January 05, 2018

Elderly Two-toed Sloth Dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo ›

Ms. Chips, a two-toed sloth and longtime resident of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, died overnight Jan. 2. She was 46 years old. The median life expectancy for female two-toed sloths in human care is 15 years old.