Want To Hang Out With A Sloth? Turtle Back Zoo Can Hook You Up - Patch

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Want to hang out with a sloth? The Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County may be able to hook you up.

A recent social media post from the zoo stirred up some interest in its Behind the Scenes animal encounters, which give guests a tour of some of their favorite exhibits. The list of animals includes giraffes, penguins, tortoises, sea lions and yes – sloths.

Here's what to expect, according to the zoo's website:

"Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your favorite Turtle Back Zoo exhibits? Here's your chance to take a guided tour of one of our animal facilities. Your ticket includes admission to the zoo, a 30-minute tour of one of our animal facilities, and a meet and greet with the animal keeper."

Group sizes are limited to 10 people, and no photographs are allowed. Children 6-years-old and over must be accompanied by an adult.

The zoo's Thursday post about its sloth tour gives a glimpse into what visitors will find behind the scenes:

"Ever wanted to 'hang out' with a sloth? Come to one of our sloth socials! Relax with coffee and breakfast, and meet one of our TBZ sloths! Chat with keepers and educators to uncover the fascinating world of Linnaeus's two-toed sloths. Plus, learn about sloth conservation and what you can do to help these amazing animals! Find more info and register on the Education tab on the zoo website under Behind the Scenes."

Several sloth fanatics had questions for the zoo, including one commenter who asked: "Are you able to pet or hold him?"

"New Jersey state laws do not permit those interactions with sloths at this time, so that is not part of the event," zoo staff replied.

That didn't dampen the spirits of other commenters, however.

"I went to a similar event that was held with gibbons, years ago, and it was wonderful!" one person enthused. "Highly recommended."

In 2021, the zoo announced that – for the first time in its history – a Linneaus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) was born on the premises.

"Linnaeus's sloths are found throughout the northern countries of South America (Equador, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuala, Peru and Brazil)," the zoo wrote. "They are threatened by development and habitat fragmentation and often fall victim to motor vehicles when crossing the road. When their arboreal habitat is fragmented, finding a mate and food sources becomes increasingly difficult, forcing them to continue their search by traveling on the ground and sloth populations have been declining."

"Preserving the rainforests is key to protecting not just sloths, but so many important species," zoo staff added. "Our new baby sloth will play an essential role in educating visitors about rainforest conservation."

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