🦥 Sloth Encounter: Life, Upside Down
Step inside the canopy world of Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths and discover what it means to live life upside down.
This small-group experience lets you get close to these remarkable animals while learning how they thrive in one of the most unique niches on Earth.
You’ll meet our sloth group in a quiet rainforest-inspired habitat designed to make them feel at home. You’ll learn how they evolved to live in the treetops, why their slow pace is a smart survival strategy, and how they carry part of the rainforest on their backs.
🌿 What’s Included
• A guided 20–25 minute encounter inside the sloth habitat
• The opportunity to offer food and gently touch the sloths (on their terms)
• A personal guide and animal care team throughout your visit
• Digital photos of your experience, taken by our staff
• A deeper look at the rainforest ecosystem these quiet creatures help sustain
This is an intimate, educational encounter—not a petting zoo. Every interaction is voluntary and determined by the sloths themselves.
📸 What to Expect
The habitat is warm and humid, just like their natural rainforest home.
• All guests will be asked to wash their hands before entering.
• Personal items, including phones and cameras, must be stored in provided lockers.
• Our staff will handle all photography to keep your hands free and the sloths safe.
• Visitors must follow the instructions of their guide at all times.
Do:
• Speak softly and move slowly.
• Gently touch the sloths on their backs.
• Enjoy being fully present in the moment.
Don’t:
• Touch their face, head, or belly.
• Bring outside food or personal items into the space.
• Grab, pull, or attempt to pick them up.
• Shout, run, or climb.
👨👩👧 Important Guidelines
We want every guest—and every sloth—to have a safe and positive experience.
• Minimum age: 12 years old. Children ages 12–17 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
• Maximum group size: 4 guests per encounter/time slot.
• Encounters last approximately 20–25 minutes.
• For the well-being of the animals, interaction is not guaranteed. Sloths choose when and how they engage.
• All ticket sales are final. Guests who do not follow instructions will be asked to leave, and refunds will not be issued.
• Accessibility: The encounter space is not ADA accessible. If you need special assistance, let us know in advance.
🗓️ Plan Your Visit
Sloth Encounters run on select days at specific times. Please arrive 15 minutes before your encounter. Encounter begins promptly and late arrivals will not be permitted into the encounter.
Space is limited, and reservations are required.
🦥 Why It Matters
When you visit, you’re not just meeting an animal—you’re stepping into a way of life perfected over millions of years. Your participation helps support the care of our sloths and conservation work to protect their wild rainforest homes.
Come see why “upside down isn’t strange—it’s brilliant.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are encounters available to purchase on site?
Currently this encounter is only available for online booking.
Can I hold the sloth?
You will not be permitted to hold or pick up the sloth. If the sloth allows, you will be permitted to pet the back of the sloth. Please follow the directions provided by your encounter guides.
How long is the encounter?
This encounter is approximately 20-25 minutes long.
Where do I go when I arrive at the Preserve?
When you arrive, please go to the Gift Shop. Let the staff know you are here for a sloth encounter. They will direct you where to meet your guide.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive no later then 15 minutes before the start of your encounter. Encounters begin promptly at the scheduled time and late arrivals will not be permitted to join the encounter.
Can I bring my baby or toddler into the encounter?
For the safety of the sloth and guests, children under the age of 12 will not be permitted into the encounter.
What is the cancellation policy?
All ticket sales are final. Encounters are non-refundable for late arrivals or cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled start time. Guests who do not follow instructions will be asked to leave, and refunds will not be issued. Duration and availability of encounters are subject to change without notice; payments are forfeited in the event of no-shows and late arrivals.
**Weather cancellations- If winter weather (ice/snow) is in the forecast for the day of your encounter, the Encounters Team will make a decision 24 hours before the scheduled time and notify you if the encounter will continue or if we will need to reschedule.