Many people are fond of sloths (they’re quite the internet sensation). But few get the chance to actually hold a sloth.
The good news? You can hold a sloth right here in Florida, and one of the most memorable places to do it is at our very own Wild Florida Adventure Park.
Tucked just outside Orlando in the headwaters of the Everglades, Wild Florida offers a VIP Sloth Experience where you can meet, learn about, and even hold a two-toed sloth during a guided, small-group encounter.
Can You Hold a Sloth in Florida?
You can, but not everywhere.
Sloths are sensitive animals that require trained handlers and carefully managed environments. That means only a handful of facilities offer hands-on sloth encounters, and even fewer allow you to safely hold one.
At Wild Florida, this experience is:
- Guided by expert animal trainers
- Limited to small groups for comfort and safety
- Designed around the sloth’s natural behavior and wellbeing
So while you’re getting a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the animals are still the priority.
What Happens During a Sloth Encounter?
During your VIP Sloth Experience, you’ll step inside the South America exhibit alongside a trained animal expert. From there, the experience unfolds at the sloth’s pace.
Sloths like someone as laid back and low-energy as them, so this is your chance to chill with these surprisingly soft-furred creatures. As you get the chance to gently hold and interact with an adorable two-toed sloth, feed them some snacks, and take some selfies (also known as “slothies”) you’ll learn firsthand from our animal care team about their behavior, diet, and slow-going lifestyle.
You might even get to meet our resident sloth-celebrity, Guy the two-toed sloth, or his buddy Aerie. The two of them are known for their love of corn cobs, munching happily on them wherever they are, whether they’re hanging upside down, or spilling corn juice right onto your lap!
The entire experience lasts about 30 minutes, but it’s the kind of memory that sticks with you long after your visit.
Quote From A Keeper:
“[What’s most memorable about this] encounter is seeing people meet their dream animal! Many people have a spot in their heart for sloths and can’t believe they have an opportunity to get so close to one.”
Things To Know Before Booking A Sloth Encounter
A sloth encounter is an experience like no other. But before you book a sloth encounter near you, there are a few important things to know beforehand.
- Ages 8+ are allowed
- Group sizes are limited for a better experience (4 max)
- Reservations are required in advance
- This is a shared experience, split between parties
- Encounters start at 9 am sharp
- You are simply holding, not hugging, a sloth (sloths like their space!)
Pro Tip: Book early. This is one of the most popular animal encounters at Wild Florida.
How Your Sloth Encounter Supports Conservation
Sloths inhabit the rainforests of Central and South America, and are known for their slow and steady movements through the tropical treetops. In fact, sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down from the branches, munching on leaves or napping the day away.
Despite their reputation as lazy loungers, sloths actually play an important role in their ecosystem.
They help:
- Indicate a healthy rainforest based on their population numbers
- Maintain healthy tree growth through seed dispersal and selective feeding
- Provide habitats for other organisms like moths and algae
Unfortunately, sloths face a few major threats to their numbers, namely habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-caused dangers (such as electrocution on power lines and road collisions).
So what can you do? Your visit can help! At Wild Florida, a portion of the funds raised by the VIP Sloth Experience is donated to the APPC, Panama’s leading wildlife rescue organization. This donation helps the APPC’s conservation efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wild sloths.
When you meet an animal up close, you’re more likely to care about protecting it. That’s a big part of Wild Florida’s mission: combining unforgettable moments with education and conservation.
How Do You Book a Sloth Encounter?
Ready to secure your spot at a sloth encounter in Florida? Booking is easy! You can do it right here on our website.
Book your sloth encounter today!
Remember: spots are limited, and this experience fills up fast (especially during weekends and holidays).
Sloth Encounter FAQs
How much does a sloth encounter cost in Florida?
Wild Florida is one of the best places where you can hold a sloth. This is a truly unforgettable experience that not only inspires awe, but contributes to conservation. Our VIP Sloth Experience is $235 and includes a chance to meet a sloth up close, get insider education, and take plenty of sloth selfies!
Are sloth encounters safe?
Yes, sloth encounters are safe when guided by trained animal experts. Sloths are naturally gentle, and our team is there to make sure both you and the sloth feel comfortable. The key is letting the sloth set the pace. You’ll be shown how to interact with a calm, gentle approach, so the experience stays relaxed for everyone involved.
What kind of sloth will I meet?
At Wild Florida, our sloth encounters feature two-toed sloths, native to Central and South America. These sloths are known for their shaggy coats that grow in the opposite direction of most mammals, letting rainwater flow off easily when they hang upside down.
Can kids hold a sloth?
Kids can join the fun, but guests must be at least 8 years old to participate in the sloth encounter. That’s because holding a sloth is a little trickier than it looks. Our two-toed sloths can weigh around 16 pounds, and they love to hang back and relax in your lap. For smaller kids, that position can be hard to support comfortably.
