By Remi Kou, age 10
Did you know that sloths had ancient ancestors that were nearly 20 feet long and the size of elephants? This is just one of many fascinating facts about sloths.
Sloths are 2.5 feet and weigh from 9 to 17 pounds, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. They are typically found hanging from high branches in Central America and northern South America. They are mammals, and despite many people thinking they are marsupials or primates, they are actually related to anteaters and armadillos. In their diets, you will find fruit and green shoots.
Despite being herbivorous, sloths will occasionally eat a bug or small egg. They move at such a slow rate because their leafy, low-calorie diets give them an extremely low metabolism, causing them to be frugal with their energy usage. Beyond that cute, cuddly frame, sloths are actually very dangerous. They have 3- to 4-inch claws and teeth, and their long brown fur grows a greenish blue algae that invites ticks, moths, and other creepy crawlies, according to the Smithsonian.
Although they have their strong defenses, at the end of the day, sloths are still endangered. They face the challenges of deforestation, poaching, and being attacked by other people’s pets.
People like activist Monique Pool make it easier for the sloths to survive. In 2018, Pool opened Xenarthra Shelter and Rehabilitation Center in Suriname to help sloths who were stranded away from their homes (forests). Once, as Pool told Mongabay in an interview, “[I saw], for example, a two-toed sloth that was hit by a car.” If Pool hadn’t found that sloth, it would probably have died.
We can help sloths by donating to causes that try to rescue stranded animals and put them in a safe environment, such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, the Marine Mammal Center, and the American Humane Society.
To sum up, sloths are fascinating animals that have a slow-paced and interesting life to study. They’ve also taught us an important life lesson: Take it slow!
