Three-toed Sloth

Hi there! My name is a Three-toed Sloth. I live way, way up high in the big, leafy trees of the rainforest. My home is my favorite place. I use my long, curved claws to hang upside down from the branches. Everything looks so interesting from up here! I do everything very, very slowly. I eat slowly, I climb slowly, and I even blink slowly. My friends say my motto is, 'Why rush when you can relax?'.

For my breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I love to munch on yummy leaves. Three-toed sloths primarily eat leaves, along with shoots and fruits, and do not have distinct meal times due to their slow metabolism. Leaves are very tasty, but they don't give me very much energy. That is why I move so slowly all the time. My fur is very special and helps me in the forest. It’s long and shaggy, and tiny green plants called algae grow right in it! This makes my coat look green, which helps me blend in with all the green leaves around me. It is like wearing a perfect camouflage costume to hide in the trees, which helps me hide from big birds that might be looking for a snack.

Living slowly in the trees is my special job in the rainforest. I am part of a big forest family. Once every week, I make a very slow trip all the way down to the bottom of my tree. I do this to go to the bathroom on the ground. Three-toed sloths defecate at the base of trees, which may contribute nutrients to the soil, potentially benefiting the trees. This special trip helps give the tree's roots important nutrients, like a special vitamin drink that helps it grow! By helping my tree stay healthy and strong, I help our whole beautiful forest home thrive. We all help each other here. My slow life is important because it helps keep the trees healthy, and healthy trees make a happy forest for everyone.