An ode to sloths for International Sloth Day
With International Sloth Day coming up on Oct. 20, we’re sharing some details about the animals that sleep up to 20 hours per day.
Arguably the most popular animal to spot on a trip to Costa Rica is a sloth. Of the six sloth species in the world, Costa Rica is home to two un-endangered subspecies – the Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus Hoffmanni) and Three-Toed Brown Sloth (Bradypus Variegatus). Both species are typically spotted in tree canopies around the country. For clients looking to spot a sloth in the wild in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park, Limón, Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, Arenal, and Tortuguero are great places to start looking.
Travellers are invited to take photographs of Costa Rica’s wildlife, however, the Government of Costa Rica provides a series of recommendations to avoid cruelty to animals and support environmental conservation efforts in the country through its #StopAnimalSelfies campaign. The Government recommends that travellers avoid hugging or holding wild animals, as this promotes the exploitation of wildlife and can put the individual and animal in danger. Encourage clients to practice responsible tourism by keeping a safe distance from the animal when taking photos.
Fun sloth facts:
- Sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater and are great swimmers
- Sloths only go to the bathroom once a week
- Sloths have coarse, thick fur – a perfect location for algae and fungus to grow
- Sloths can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction due to extra vertebrae in their spine
- Sloths have finger bones that are four-inches long
- Sloths love their alone time
- The average sloth lives between 20 to 30 years
- It takes up to a month for sloths to digest one meal, as their stomachs have four compartments
- Armadillos and Anteaters are their closest relatives
