October 20th is International Sloth Day #SlothDay. I must admit I don’t know much about Sloths. Do you? I don’t even know where we could go see a Sloth do you? If we were Homeschooling International Sloth Day would have been a #teachingmoment in our #Homeschool. As I thought about this I thought you might want to learn about Sloths as well.
International Sloth Day is held every year on the third Saturday in October so we don’t forget this next year I thought you might want to mark International Sloth Day down in your calendar that way you and your children can study #Sloths next year.
here is the good news you don’t have to be in too big of a hurry to celebrate Sloths which is a slow-moving Mammal. Instead, hang out and have fun learning about Sloths that are native to South and Central America.
Did you know there are two different types of Sloths? These include the two-toed and three-toed Sloths. There are six species of Sloths. One of which is the Pygmy three-toed Sloth. Of all the species, the Pygmy Sloth is the only one that’s endangered.
Over the last decade, the population of the Pygmy Sloth has decreased by 80%. There are less than 100 Pygmy Sloths. This makes the Pygmy Sloth one of the most endangered Mammals in the world. Due to the shrinking habitat, Pygmy Sloths are expected to become extinct by 2022.
I would like to ask you to hang out and celebrate International Sloth Day, which takes place on the third Saturday in October. This year International Sloth Day falls October 19th. Sloths are slow-moving Mammals often found in Central and South America. The two major types are the two-toed and three-toed Sloths. Did you know Sloths look like some kind of furry Bear/Monkey, the Sloths closest relatives are Anteaters and Armadillos.
International Sloth Day 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 the Sloths cause ever since. Per AIUNAU: “There is a lot that Sloths can teach us including respect, tenderness, and joy.”
Sloths spend their lives in the tropical Rain Forests. Sloths 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.
Sloths are long-armed animals which 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 of Sloths;
- Pygmy three-toed Sloth
- Maned Sloth
- Pale-throated Sloth
- Brown-throated Sloth
- Linnaeus’s two-toed Sloth
- Hoffman’s two-toed Sloth
The Sloths 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 a Sloths 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 Activities
- Take the opportunity today to craft your own Sloth decorations! You can use all sorts of materials from felt fabric to paper plates. You can eve 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.
- 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’ve never have never been before. You can achieve this by strolling through the Park, eating your favorite foods, and working on hobbies.
- Enjoy International Sloth Day by spending a lazy hour watching movies with Sloths in like “Zootopia,” “The Croods,” and any “Ice Age” film!
Facts About The Daily Life Of A Sloth
- Because Sloths have a slow metabolic process they usually only relieve themselves once per week.
- Sloths are Arboreal Animals, meaning Sloths spend most of their lives in Trees.
- 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.
- Three–toed Sloths are able to turn their heads nearly 360 degrees.
- When Sloths survive possible poachers and captors, they can live anywhere between 10 and 30 years!
Why People Love International Sloth Day
- It’s nearly impossible to look at Sloths and not gush .A Sloths fur is thick and soft and their eyes are big pools of warmth. From their casual vibe, to their permanent smiles, Sloths beam beauty.
- Sloths have their moments, but Sloths 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.
- 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.
Interesting facts about Sloths:
- Sloths are great swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater.
- Sloths only go to the bathroom once a week and when they go, it’s in the same exact spot.
- Algae and Fungus grow on a Sloth’s course thick fur.
- Thanks to extra vertebrae in their spine, Sloths can rotate their head 270 degrees in either direction.
- Sloths have protruding finger bones that are four-inches long.
- Sloths love their alone time and don’t spend a lot of time with other Sloths.
- On average, Sloths live between 20 to 30 years.
- A Sloth’s stomach has four compartments and it takes up to a month to digest one meal.
- Sloths resemble Monkeys or Bears but their closest relatives are the Armadillo and Anteater.
- Sloths sleep up to 20 hours every day. Sounds like a lot like Charlie if you ask me.
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL SLOTH DAY
Many Zoos and Conservation Groups host special presentations and educational seminars about Sloths. Check with your local Zoo to see if they have a special exhibit for International Sloth Day. Donate to a Wildlife Organization that is working to protect the Pygmy Sloth like the Sloth Conservation Foundation.
Maybe one of the best ways to celebrate International Sloth Day is to spend the day just hanging out doing nothing. You might not be able to sleep for 20 hours, but International Sloth Day might be a great day to have some alone time.
The AIUNAU Foundation created International Sloth Day in 2010. AIUNAU is a non-profit Conservation and Wildlife Organization based in Colombia. Spread your love for the Sloth by sharing #InternationalSlothDay on Social Media and invite your friends and family to share anything they know about Sloths.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
