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Sloth E-Mail

Here are some of the e-mail questions and answers we have received at this, our Sloth website. When we receive an answer from a reader, we will post it. It may take some time however- we are slow like sloths.


I was just wondering how the 3 toe sloth became to be known as Bradypus?

Sarah


how can I tell whether my photo of a 3-toed sloth is Bradypus tridactylus or variegatus. It was in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio NP. Thanks. alison


Do baby sloths have a special name (like kit or cub or???) Thank you.

Shelley


Please can anyone send me an email if they know of an organisation / individual who helps sloths in the wild eg rescuing them and translocating them to somewhere safer. That would be great ! Thanks.

Linda


do you know where there are any sloth cams anywhere in the world? OR do you know where I can adopt part of a sloth? sorry, I don't have any sloth pics that I can mail to you

Annie


Sloths are beautiful. I have never seen one in real life. I did see one on the Discovery channel last night. This sloth was a great swimmer, and then climbed a tree. Are there any sloths in zoos in N. CA or Oregon I wonder.
ok well i was wondering if they could be kept as pets if you have the right eqitment and stuff bacuaes i think its the perfect place i live in canada and theres a zoo near by and iv been prepareing for one ever since i was little im onley 16 now but theyve been my life for a long time so if youev got some info id be please to recieve it
Do Sloths live in packs? What is a group of sloths called?
Sloths will travel down to the base of their tree every week or so to defecate on the ground next to their tree. It is believed that this is an adaptive advantage governed by the principles of evolution. By defecating at the base of the tree that the sloth is inhabiting it is aiding in its tree's survival and growth (natural fertilizer). This is good for the sloth as it helps ensure its food supply.

Answer by an anonymous reader


what is the three toed slothes normal mating season, this is for a report.
I would like to say that sloths do not give birth on the ground, in fact they mate and give birth upside-down!

Kelsie


Please can anyone send me an email (linda@digitalgarage.co.uk) if they know of an organisation / individual who helps sloths in the wild eg rescuing them and translocating them to somewhere safer. That would be great !

Thanks.
Linda


Do sloths hibernate? I was wondering about this because I'm doing a report for school about sloths.
DO YOU KNOW A WEB SITE WHERE I CAN FIND A SLOTH CLAWTRACK ,TRACK OR CLAWPRINT.

THANK YOU ,PAUL


I was told that sloths will move down a tree to defecate. I wanted to know if this is true. If it is, does anyone know the scientific reasoning behind this behavior? I am looking for a proposal topic for my tropical ecology class and though this might be a good idea. Please let me know.

Thanks-Julia


Hi, I was wondering if you knew anything about a 3-toed sloth rehabilitation center. I saw something about it a while ago, and I haven't been able to find any information about it since. I have an animal science/pre-vet degree and I would love to work or volunteer there.

Thanks a lot,


I am writing from sunny South Africa, and was wondering if anyone outthere can help me with some info on sloths. I have an assignment on theskeletal adaptions of the sloth (2 or 3 clawed+ADs- or both - depending on howmuch info I can collect). I basically need information on the sloth's bonestructure, and how each skeletal process is adapted for the animal's lifestyle. I would greatly appreciate it if there are any sloth fundies out therewho could supply me with what I need, as soon as possible.
I have loved sloths my whole life! A few years ago I ran across a darling sloth card, and it got ruined. It was 5by7 blank note card... maybe Sierra Club or something... anyway, where can I find another???? Please help me! I have checked the Healthy Planet/ Sierra Club sites, and they have everyother imaginable animal, but no sloth! There has to be some out there somewhere! Thankyou! Staci
Could you tell me please how big a newborn two toed sloth is? Amy

Webmaster: She later wrote back:

The new born is about 12.5 ounces. I know a guy who either knows everything or has the book that tells it at his fingertips. He has three two toed,one is due next month sometime. I am going to visit next week and am pretty excited.


i was wondering if u could answere a question i am doing a report on the sloth and i wanted to know if u know what eats the three-toed sloth and what it eats if u can answere this question e-mail me as soon as possible thanx bye


Answers: One animal that eats them is the jaguar. Sloths eat leaves and small twigs.


i found a page on the internet @ http://www.tkstoystand.com/PAGES/COOPER/ct_z_3_toed_sloth.html where you can buy a 3-toed stuffed animal sloth for $52. as for a couple of other questions: 1) sloths max. ground speed is ~15 ft a minute and can go faster than 100 ft a minute in a high canopy. 2) there are sloths in the 'rainforest' at the cleveland zoo. hope this helps someone. -l.m.o.
Is there any physiological mechanism that allows the sloth to hang upside down without raising the cranial blood pressure? Curious about this is regard to any mammal the hangs upside down like bats, possum etc.
I Was Wondering if you could tell me exactly how to get a sloth (For a Pet).
how fast do sloths travel?

Dear people...

I live in Surinam, and unfortunately the people in the forest think Sloth meat is a delicacy, and even more unfortunate...sometimes they shoot a mother with a baby.

I personally managed to keep my own Slothy for 4 months, then he died, within a day. I knew Molasses, and still another babysloth...talked to the vets here..all they say is: you will not be able to feed it properly..it will die.

All were fed fruit, milk, and the Bush-Powpow leaves they prefer in the jungle...

Maybe there is a Vet in a zoo somewhere who could give us more information.

Could you get me in touch with him?

Another one may come my way and his life could be saved...they are the cutest things I ever came across and I feel blessed having been able to live with Slothy for 4 months..

Thanks!
Marie (he was a 3-toed sloth)


I live in Miami Florida and would like to know if I am required to have any type of permits to have a sloth. I would appreciate any info.
Thank You...........
I am in search of recordings of the sounds of the sloths. That is if sloths make sounds. I can't seem to find any myself. Can you help me?
Do you know of anywhere in the world where one can trek wild sloths in a jungle setting? I am very interested in trying this .. Thanks
Doea anyone know where I could find any research done on the nutrition of sloths and their digestive system?
Could anyone tell me the maximum speed of the three-toed sloth?
I just got back from a trip to Suriname where my aunt is lucky enough to have come across a baby sloth. The mother was killed in her village for her pelt, but my aunt came to the rescue and has been raising the baby...Molassas, or Mo for short. I have been trying to gather all the information I can for her. She wants to bring him back to California in October of 1999, can you tell me if there are any laws forbidding sloths as pets in CA?? Thanks
Can you tell me how long a sloth claw is. thank you
About how many three-toed sloths are left in the world?
My daughter is trying to find some information on the Harlan Ground Sloth, where do you think we should look? Great page by the way.
Is the sloth cold blooded or cold blooded? What are the structures of the sloth.
Hello. I am a zookeeper at a zoo in England and I look after sloths. To all the people interested in keeping them as pets, I would strongly advise against it. They may seem calm and slow, but can be extreamely dangerous, their claws are lethal and they have a lightning strike. Their teeth are also very sharp and can inflict a nasty bite. Sorry to disappoint everyone, but sloths are best left alone, in the trees. >From my experience, sloths that are kept in captivity are left alone as much as possible.

I hope I have been of some help.

Chris


I think that sloths are really neet but I was wondering if there is a four toed sloth? Please write back with the answer.


Hi, I'm a children's book author in Vermont.

Please tell me how long young sloths stay, cling to their mother before they are independent. Is it 6 to 9 months?

Thank you

Steve


One writer tells us:

sloths only need to stay with their mother for about 3 or more months.


Is there any information that I could locate on the sloth's. I would like to know where you can locate information thru the mail or where you could possible view or purchase a sloth. I understand that there are many orphaned sloth's. Is is possible to purchase an orphan and how much to do so.

Thank You.


Don't sloths give birth on the ground?

wondering,
Nick


What if a sloth falls.

Sloths are very slow and careful. So this makes it hard for them to fall.


Does the males help care for their young? How long does the young stay with the mother.

A Reader Writes:

In response to the question about how long baby sloths stay with their mothers. They stay attached to their mom's stomachs for 5 weeks.

Alan


Hi, could you tell me why sloths are so slow? I am doing a research project at school for this and it would help me greatly if anyone could tell me. If you can give me a scientific, thorough explanation on why this is...
I have found what I believe ... to be a giant ground sloth skull with two tusk around two to three inches long. The skull is about twelve to fourteen inches long and about five inches wide. I am getting pictures copied to a disk soon. I was digging in my yard when I found it. If interested in looking at it to see what you might think or tell me what it is.
hi. I would just like to know, how do sloths react to people? They look like calm animals. Also, do they have any predators? I would think they are an easy target because they are so slow. Thanks.z

C. Hi, I have some friends I go to school with who are crazy about sloths. They think that they are really cute and would love to have one as a pet. If it were declawed or tamed ( I don't know if this is possible ) would it be a very good pet? Are they legal to have as pets? If so, how much do you think they cost? Most of all where on earth would a person go to purchase one? If one were in captivity could you litter box train it or would you have to have an indoor tree for it to stay on all day, but could it climb without claws?

P.S. Thank you for your time.

J. O.


I agree, sloths do rule! Have you ever seen a more adorable face. A small local zoo near me has two sloths and I like to visit them often. I would love to have a pet sloth. Anyone know where to get one?
Hello. I am searching for any info on the reproductive habits of two-toed sloths. Can you help me? I am a collection manager at a zoo and have a male and a female two-toed sloth. I have searched all over and cannot find anything. If you know where I might find something or if you yourself know, please mail me back. It just seems that there hasn't been too much research on sloths. Pity.
Thanks
J
Hello, I am a college student presently attending the Pennsylvania State University, and I was wondering whether one could keep a sloth as a pet, given the propper environment and care instructions? Also, is it common in any part of the world for people to keep these womderful creatures as pets. One last question; are sloths generally well- tempered, and do they take to humans well? If it is at all possible, could someone reply to my inquiries?

J.B.


Hello, Could you please tell me how long can a sloth go without eating? I heard it was one day, one week, or one month. I think it was one week but I'm not sure. Could you please help me, and thank you for your time.
thanks again,

-Bill--


Do you know if there are any zoos in the United States that have sloths? I like reading about sloths on your web page.

Please see our new page which lists places our visitors have seen sloths.


Does anyone know the oldest sloth to give birth?
Dear Sirs;

We need a photo of a Two-toed sloth skeleton. Do you know where we could find one on the net?
Thank You Very Much!


I have heard of Sloth sightings in the hill country of Texas. Is this a possibilty? And have you had any other reports similar to this? If mountain lions wander north, why not sloths?????
Does anyone know where I can buy a stuffed animal of a sloth? I can not find one and my cousin really wants one.
Over 25 years ago, I borrowed a record from a library in Baltimore. One of the songs was about a sloth. I believe I have all the words written down correctly and have remembered the melody, but I would love to have the recording. Any suggestions? It begins: A bradypus or sloth am I, I live a life of ease, contented not to do or die, but idle as I please...and so on.

A READER WRITES:

Here was I, trying to find this song on the web (I wanted the words, on a whim) and here you are wanting the music: the song is from (Michael) Flanders and (Donald) Swan's album, "Bestiary", which I have managed to get on CD in the UK, so you should be able to get hold of it too. Let me know if you need more details...

Good luck!

Mike


I help at School in Trenton, NJ with various science projects. Is there someone in the Trenton area that has a sloth and who might be interested in bringing it to our school for a short lesson (assuming it is legal to own one, etc.)?
I used to work with sloths and anteaters in Kilverstone wildlife Park in Norfolk. I would jump at the chance to work with them or to undertake serious research connected with edentata - including prehistoric ground sloths. Know anybody who might give me a break?
We have a question. - what is the oldest recorded Sloth in the world?- If you could re-e-mail me with the answer, please do so.
Does anyone know what sloth babies are called? We are doing a research paper and we have to find out the answer to this question.
It sure is hard to find "Sloth-Ware". I'm particularly interested in finding sloth ties, t-shirts, etc.... Any assistance in this direction would be most appreciated.


I am doing a Science report on sloths and we have to know the five different systems of sloths (respiratory, circulatory, muscular, reproductive, and digestive) If you could send me some info.
We've read that sloths often have insects living on their algae coated backs. Can anyone verify this and tell us specifically what kind of insects live there? Our Readers Write:

Grolier's Encyclopedia indicates that several species of moths, beetles, and mites live in the fur of the sloth along with algae which turns green or yellow during certain times of the year so that it is able to blend in nicely with the trees.

There's 9 different sorts of butterflies and 4 different sorts of beetles living on sloths' backs. A single sloth can give "house" about 100 butterflies and up to 1000 beetles!!


Where could you get a sloth? how much? Also, Could you get a sound clip on this page?
Thanks


I want to find some cartoon type pictures of the sloth for a bulliten board.....can anyone help me?
I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any scientific journals done on the sloth? Perhaps even on the unusual skeletal structure of these wonderful animals?
Hello! I hope you can help me with this problem I have...My husband is fascinated with sloths, and I am always on the look out for unique sloth items for him. Do you know of any non-child books, or poster, shirts, etc...anything to do with sloths, that might suit my need? This is the only place I've found sloths--bookstore personnel look at me like I'm crazy when I ask them about sloths! Thanks for your time!

Readers Writes:

An avid collector of "sloth" for many years, I have found some great treasures that even an adult might like. Specifically, I found a stuffed sloth at a nature store in the mall (and at the local zoo). Also, Acorn Naturalists sells a wonderful sloth puppet. "Portraits of the Rainforest," by Adrian Forsyth, has an entire chapter with good pictures. Also, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs sells "Save the Rainforest" mugs and posters -- all with sloths. The stuff is out there, but you REALLY have to look for it. I'm constantly searching for new items.


I have recently returned from Costa Rica where I too fell in ove with sloths. I had the oportunity to pet several in the wild. Sloth t-shirts can be gotten in most of the gift stores. It might be woth a look at Costa Rican sights or e-mail a Cost Rican tour company. In Costa Rica the sloths are called perisoso. I also brought back a very nice hardwood puzzle- jewelery box in the form of a sloth.
Hello, Does a sloth go to the bathroom while hanging upside down, or does it go down to the ground? How long would it take? Days? Weeks? Months? Years?
Do they ever go to the ground while they are alive? How long do they live? How many babies can they have at a time?
Why is it so slow?

Some answers from our readers:
They deficate on the ground weekly. You can see them at the San Diego Zoo.


In answer to the question do sloths go to the ground while they are alive:
yes they do go to the ground.

How long do they live?
They can live to up to 10 years.

How many babies can they have at one time?
they can have on baby at a time.

Some other places that you can find information on sloths is on Encarta 1997.

P.S. I like you page, Solths rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I have been studying the sloth while preparing to visit the mock rain forest in Omaha, Nebraska. The sloth pees on itself while hanging upside-down in the trees. It does not go to the ground for this activity. The sloth goes to the ground when it falls into the river and swims. Its ground speed is .15 mph.

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