Two-toed and three-toed sloths have become increasingly popular in zoo settings, but their specialized arboreal biology creates welfare challenges that standard exhibit design often fails to address.
Sloth welfare in zoo settings is challenged by their highly specialized physiology and behavior. As obligate arboreal animals, sloths must hang from appropriate structures continuously — their muscles are literally adapted for hanging, not standing or walking. Exhibits that cannot provide continuous overhead support structures cause muscle strain and discomfort. Temperature management is critical — sloths become lethargic and immunosuppressed below their thermal comfort zone. Three-toed sloths are particularly challenging because their exclusive diet of specific tropical leaves cannot be reliably sourced. Many three-toed sloths in captivity decline from malnutrition.