Fun Facts About Sloths That Will Surprise You

If you Google “the slowest animals in the world,” you will see one name listed on each website. You guessed it right, we are talking about sloths. These adorable animals have a surprisingly slow metabolism, which is the prime factor behind their laziness.

It takes sloths about a whole month to digest even a single leaf. There are several other incredible facts about this darling creature that you would love to know. For example, for sloths, there is nothing better in the world than hanging on the tree branches.

It might be a big surprise to you that despite being notoriously slow on the land, they are pretty fast in the water. Are you interested in knowing more? Keep reading the article, as it will shed light on the fun facts about sloths that will surprise you.

6 Surprising Facts About Sloths You Didn’t Know

The present-day sloths might seem smaller to you, but we have an astonishing revelation for you. Ancient sloths used to be much bigger than the ones you see now. Falling out and getting injured? No such a thing exists in a sloth’s life. These charming animals are also unable to see in the daylight. Let’s explore the six surprising facts about sloths you didn’t know:

They Love Hanging in the Trees

Have you ever seen a sloth coming down from a tree? If you did, consider yourself a lucky person. Why? Because sloths are known for their odd tendency to keep sticking to trees. Nothing in the world can fascinate a sloth more than tree branches. In fact, studies show a sloth usually leaves trees only once a week.

The reason is that trees provide the necessary protection from predators. In an environment full of enemies, camouflaging in the trees is their only safeguard. If you want to catch an incredible glimpse of sloths hanging in the tree, visit a suitable place. People book the Green Planet tickets to interact with these cute animals.

They Are Faster in the Water

Sloths have a reputation for being the slowest animals on the land. According to research, the distance traveled by a sloth per day is only 41 yards. Keeping this fact in mind, it might be difficult for you to believe that sloths are swift when in the water. The reason is that they are expert swimmers.

Their strong arms are initially built for clinging to tree branches. The same strength enables them to swim expertly. Extending the same arms helps them propel speedily through the water. Not only that, they can also hold their breath for 40 minutes when under the water.

Ancient Sloths Were Big

Sloths are not a giant creature. They are not even bigger than dogs. On average, a sloth can reach only 2.5 feet and weigh 9-17 pounds. But this has not always been the same. The extinct ancestors of sloths were among the giants of the olden times.

Archeological analysis shows that some of the ancient sloths were as big as present-day elephants are. Megalonyx, otherwise known as the large-clawed sloths were about 10 feet long. There is no wonder that they could weigh about 2,200 pounds. So, next time you see a picture of a giant sloth, do not be surprised.

Sloths Can Fall Without Injury

Can you imagine falling from a hundred feet without getting injured? No one can except sloths. This might be one of the most shocking facts for you but it is true. Their anatomy is perfect for such kinds of incidents. That is why, on average, each sloth is destined to fall from the tree at least once a week.

The fall can also be a result of a fight between two male sloths. They engage in physical combat to win over a female sloth. The winner of the two is the one who succeeds in kicking his opponent off the tree. Therefore, do not panic if you ever witness a sloth falling from a significant height.

Everything About Sloths Screams Cuteness

If you ask Google why sloths are the cutest animals, you will get numerous reasons. With perfectly buttoned eyes and an adorable round head, anyone can be attracted to them. That is why you might have seen many cartoons with a sloth character, as they intrigue children and adults alike.

Despite not being domesticated creatures, the cuteness surrounding these animals can be a bit of a mystery. Their eyes and faces give an odd sense of mischievousness. When they look at you, it seems they are planning something naughty. Visiting a relevant destination will allow you to experience this naughtiness. You can purchase the Green Planet tickets to meet and greet these cute creatures.

They Are Blind in the Daylight

During a bright day most animals, including humans, can see everything clearly. But not all creatures share the same trait, such as sloths. These beloved animals are deprived of the day vision. The reason is that sloths suffer from rod monochromacy, a rare health condition.

In this disease, cone cells are missing in the eyes. These cells are essential for differentiating between different colors. As a result, sloths are color blind, which makes them almost blind on a bright day. However, they make up for this lack by having an extraordinary sense of spatial memory and smell.

Do You Want to Interact with Sloths?

Sloths are undoubtedly one of the cutest and slowest animals in the world. Incredibly, they are faster in water and can endure a 100-foot fall. Their cuteness compels everyone to meet and greet these charming animals. Book your ticket to the Green Planet now to interact with sloths.