International Sloth Day

International Sloth Day is observed on 20 October each year (or on the third Saturday in October in some references) as a day to celebrate and raise awareness about sloths—their lives, their challenges, and the important role they play in tropical ecosystems. ¹

History of International Sloth Day

International Sloth Day was created by the AIUNAU Foundation in Colombia in 2010, following their first Sloth International Meeting held in Medellín. The idea was to bring sloths and their habitat into public consciousness—to foster greater appreciation for these slow-moving mammals, and to highlight the threats they face in the wild. (From descriptions of AIUNAU’s work)

Although relatively new, the observance has gained traction through participation from conservation groups, zoos, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. In many places, “SlothTober” (the month of October focused on sloths) has emerged as a complementary celebration, with events, social media campaigns, educational materials, and habitat restoration projects.

Why is International Sloth Day important?

Sloths are extraordinary animals adapted to a life in the treetops—moving slowly, digesting leaves at a languid pace, and spending much of their day hanging upside-down. But they also live in fragile ecosystems under threat from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, human encroachment, and irresponsible wildlife trade. International Sloth Day gives voice to their plight, reminding us that even creatures we think of as quiet or unassuming need our attention and care.

This day also invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature. Sloths move in a way that contrasts sharply with our fast-paced lives, and they teach us lessons in patience, resilience, and interconnectedness. Recognizing their plight prompts us to think more deeply about conservation, how we use land, and how we might live more harmoniously with other species.

Here are some ways the day matters:

• It brings much-needed visibility to sloth conservation efforts
• It supports public education about sloth biology, ecology, and threats
• It encourages habitat protection and restoration
• It connects communities and conservation groups globally
• It challenges habits and systems that contribute to wildlife decline

How to Celebrate or Observe International Sloth Day

You don’t need to travel to a rainforest to take part. Begin by learning more about sloths—their differing species, their behaviors, their challenges—and share that knowledge within your circle. If there is a local zoo or wildlife organization with sloth exhibits or programs, visit or support them. Ask what kinds of events or displays they may have planned around 20 October or “SlothTober.”

Online participation is also powerful. Share photos, facts, or stories about sloths and the need for conservation. Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to sloth protection. On a personal level, slow down—take a walk without rushing, unplug briefly, and adopt a more mindful pace for at least one day. Let the sloths inspire you to value calm, rest, and deliberate movement.

Some practical ideas:

• Read or share a compelling article or documentary about sloths
• Support a sloth conservation group through donation or volunteer work
• Visit a zoo or sanctuary with sloths and learn from staff
• Share a “slowness challenge” online for others to pause and reflect
• Spend part of the day quietly, doing something restful or nature‑oriented

5 fun facts about sloths

1. Sloths spend nearly their entire lives in trees
   They come down to the ground only about once a week to defecate. The rest of the time they eat, sleep, mate, and even give birth high up in the treetops.
2. They are better swimmers than walkers
   Although famously slow on land, sloths are surprisingly good swimmers. They use their long arms to paddle through water and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes.
3. Their fur hosts a tiny ecosystem
   Sloth fur is home to algae, beetles, moths, and even unique fungi. The algae give their fur a greenish tint, helping them blend into the rainforest canopy.
4. They have an extremely slow metabolism
   A sloth’s digestive process can take up to a month to fully process a single meal. That’s why they don’t need to eat often—and why they move so little to conserve energy.
5. There are both two-toed and three-toed sloths
   Despite the name, all sloths have three toes on their hind limbs. The difference is in their front limbs—two-toed sloths have two fingers, while three-toed sloths have three. They are actually different animals from different genera.

International Sloth Day Dates Table

1. https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/sentience/animal-awareness-days/world-sloth-day/[↩]