The Sloths

“These sloths are the lowest form of existence...” wrote the great French naturalist, Georges Buffon, when he first described the sloth in 1772. “One more defect,” he continued, “would have made their existence impossible”

For the next two centuries the sloth – slow of movement, fond of sleep – was considered dim-witted, primitive, ill-adapted, and noteworthy only that it survived at all.

It was not until the mid-twentieth century that scientists began uncovering the truth about this remarkable animal: rather than primitive, the sloth is one of the better adapted creatures on earth. Instead of scorn, sloths deserve our wonder, our admiration, and – in these high-speed, fast-food, over consumptive times – our emulation. In fact, a Japan-based world-wide Sloth Club has formed, basing its philosophy on the quiet, peaceful, efficient sloth: “less, slower, non-violent.”

If you think this peaceful creature has little to teach us, consider this: besides the dolphin, there is but one mammal that persistently smiles...the Sloth.

Since the last Ice Age, the great Xenarthra order has dwindled to four peculiar families: armadillo (Dasypodidae) six species; anteater (Myrmecophagidae) four species; Bradypus (Bradypodidae) or three-fingered sloth, four species; Choloepus (Megalonychidae) or two-fingered sloth, two species. The four species of Bradypus are: Bradypus variegatus, B. tridactylus, B. torquatus, and B. pygmaeous. The two species of Choloepus are: Choloepus hoffmanni and C. didactylus. Only two species of sloth are found in Costa Rica, Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni.

In 16 years working with these extraordinary animals we at the sanctuary have learned so much that hasn’t before been written or published, and feel that we can correct many of the myths and misinformation and contribute an enormous amount of new information to the very little that is known about sloths. So visit our website for continuing updates about your favorite animal! “We all know of sloths but almost nothing about them.”

Learn more about the amazing individuals at the Center on our new blog: