International Sloth Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Wildlife
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 3rd Saturday of October
Holiday emoji:: 🦥

International Sloth Day hangs out on the calendar every third Saturday of October. These unique, slow-moving mammals, native to Central and South America, are celebrated for their fascinating biology and crucial role in their ecosystems. Join conservation efforts, learn about their habitats, and support organizations working to protect them.

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History
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FAQs
Importance
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Expected International Sloth Day Deals

On International Sloth Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital conservation efforts. Organizations like The Sloth Institute Costa Rica, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Defenders of Wildlife often run fundraising campaigns, seeking donations to protect sloth habitats and rescue injured animals. Many wildlife sanctuaries and zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, highlight their sloth residents and educational programs. Look for opportunities to “adopt” a sloth or purchase merchandise where proceeds directly benefit conservation. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as October 17 approaches, encouraging direct support for these amazing creatures.

Platform Guide for International Sloth Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalSlothDay. Share stunning photos or short videos of sloths, highlighting their natural habitats and unique behaviors.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalSlothDay. Create educational content about sloth facts, conservation challenges, or even a fun, slow-motion challenge.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalSlothDay. Share articles or live streams from conservation groups, encouraging friends to donate or learn more.

International Sloth Day Hero

Dr. Rebecca Cliffe

Dr. Rebecca Cliffe is a leading sloth biologist and the founder of The Sloth Conservation Foundation. Her extensive research in Costa Rica has uncovered critical insights into sloth behavior, diet, and habitat requirements, driving global efforts to protect these unique creatures. She is a passionate advocate for sloth welfare and conservation.

History of International Sloth Day

This international holiday was first created by the foundation AIUNAU, a program dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife in Columbia. AIUNAU first started working with sloths in 1996, and has worked to promote their cause ever since. Per AIUNAU: “There is a lot that sloths can teach us — respect, tenderness, joy.”

Sloths spend their lives in the tropical rain forests. They move slowly — covering about 40 yards per day, munching on leaves and twigs. Sloths have an exceptionally low metabolic rate and spend 15 to 20 hours per day sleeping. These long-armed animals are also excellent swimmers. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are two different types of sloths — two-toed and three-toed — and a total of six species:

Pygmy three-toed sloth
Maned sloth
Pale-throated sloth
Brown-throated sloth
Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth
Hoffman’s two-toed sloth

Their health depends on our tropical rainforests — which remain at risk. The WWF works with communities, governments and companies to encourage sustainable forestry. Without them, sloths will lose their shelter and food source.

Unfortunately, when sloths periodically venture to the forest floor, they can do little to protect themselves from predators. That’s partially due to the fact that their limbs are adapted only for hanging and grasping, not for supporting their weight. Muscles make up only 25 to 30 percent of their total body weight — compared to 40 to 45 percent for other mammals.

Animal traffickers pose yet another threat — despite the fact that sloths do not make for good pets.

International Sloth Day timeline

1804

Presidential sloth

Thomas Jefferson was involved in the discovery of an extinct sloth species. He received a gift fossil from a friend and submitted a research paper.

1941

Prehistoric proof

Smithsonian curator Remington Kellogg found a substance at the Grand Canyon that turned out to be 100,000-year-old sloth fecal matter. This sample has since allowed researchers to learn about past diet, and give insight into the environment in which they lived.

1995

Sloth fossils discovered

Researchers found sloth fossils off a coastal desert in Peru and discovered they belonged to a group of sloths called Thalassocnus, who were semiaquatic and lived alongside whales and crocodiles.

2019

Senior sloth

The oldest known sloth alive turned 50 at a German zoo. The two-toed sloth, named Paula, first arrived in 1971. Oddly enough, zoo staff thought that Paula was male for over 20 years. They only discovered she was female in 1995 following an ultrasound.

International Sloth Day FAQs

When is International Sloth Day?

International Sloth Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 17, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating their unique biology and advocating for their protection.

How many species of sloth are there?

There are six recognized species of sloth, divided into two main families: two-toed sloths (Choloepus) and three-toed sloths (Bradypus). Each group has distinct characteristics and adaptations to their arboreal lifestyle.

Why are sloths so slow?

Sloths are slow due to their specialized diet of leaves, which are low in nutritional value and difficult to digest. This diet provides very little energy, leading to a low metabolic rate and a deliberate, energy-conserving movement style.

Are sloths endangered?

While not all sloth species are endangered, some face significant threats. The Pygmy Three-toed Sloth, for example, is critically endangered due to its extremely limited habitat on a small Panamanian island.

International Sloth Day Activities

Create sloth crafts
Craft your own sloth decorations! You can use all sorts of materials from felt fabric to paper plates. You can make a plush sloth for a friend or create an activity for kids. You can find more sloth cut-out instructions online or from books at your local library.
Follow the sloth’s guide to life
If there was ever a day meant to take it slow, today is that day! Unwind at home or enjoy your surroundings by visiting places you never have never been before. You can achieve this by strolling through the park, eating your favorite foods, and working on hobbies.
Watch movies with sloths
Enjoy National Sloth Day by spending a lazy hour watching movies with sloths in them. Our list includes “Zootopia,” “The Croods,” and any “Ice Age” film!

5 Facts About The Daily Life Of A Sloth

They're s-l-o-w
Because sloths have a slow metabolic process they usually only relieve themselves once per week.
Just hanging around
Sloths are arboreal animals, meaning they spend most of their lives in trees.
Camouflage at a whole new level
A sloth’s fur hosts a vast ecosystem of moths, bugs, and algae — which taints their furs green and is used as camouflage in the trees.
Are you looking at me?
Three–toed sloths are able to turn their heads nearly 360 degrees.
Aging gracefully
When sloths survive possible poachers and captors, they can live anywhere between 10 and 30 years!

Why We Love International Sloth Day

They are downright adorable
It’s nearly impossible to look at sloths and not gush. Their fur is thick and soft — and their eyes are big pools of warmth. From their casual vibe, to their permanent smiles, they beam beauty.
Sloths are master of zen
Sure, sloths have their moments, but they are so mesmerizing to watch as they rest in trees and stay serene for what seems like an eternity . It’s no wonder sloths are so popular.
They can get aggressive — if necessary.
Although sloths have peaceful demeanors, wild sloths can be aggressive and bite very hard. If caught by a predator on land you are likely to hear a sloth hissing, or shrieking. Visitors at a sloth nursery should not get too close.