Introducing Gwen, the Linné’s two-toed sloth
Come “hang” out with Gwen, the Linné’s two-toed sloth, new to the Zoo’s South America Loop!
“We are incredibly excited to introduce our community to this species, which is one of the slowest and most mysterious animals on Earth,” said Adam Ramsey, Director of Animal Care.
The new habitat features both indoor and outdoor habitat spaces for the sloth, with lots of perching for Gwen to “hang out,” as sloth’s hook-link fingers and toes allow them to do.
The habitat also features a beautiful mural by local artist Alejandra Trujillo, featuring a South American dreamscape from a Linné’s two-toed sloth’s point of view.
Reid Park Zoo is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day! Gwen is most active early in the mornings.
The sloth habitat has been built as a part of the Zoo’s Master Plan, thanks to the support of Tucson voters in the November 2017 election. With the community’s help, the Zoo has already undergone many improvements, from a brand new flamingo habitat at the entrance of the Zoo, to infrastructure improvements throughout the grounds that provide added comfort for animals and guests, as well as better animal viewing. Upcoming projects include the opening of the Angel Charity World of Play Adventure Zone this fall, as well as construction beginning on the much-anticipated Pathway to Asia addition.
Guests can show their love for sloths as a species by being mindful when shopping, and choosing to purchase products that are sustainably sourced. Sloths are at risk in the wild due to habitat loss for agriculture and human development. One way to know if a product has been sustainably grown and harvested is to look for symbols from organizations that go through a certification process to prove they are operating in a way that is not harming the wildlife, workers, or the habitat.