2021 Sloth Encounters

To account for weather, staff availability, and the behavior of the sloths, encounter dates will be released on a weekly basis.

Dates for the week ahead will go on sale online each week on Friday at 10:00am.

Sloth Encounters often sell out quickly. If the Eventbrite page says "Unavailable" or doesn't show a register button, refresh until it specifically says "Sold Out". If it says "Unavailable", there is potential for spots to open back up if someone does not complete their registration.

Sorry, gift certificates are not available for sloth encounters. Please remember that sloth encounters cannot be reserved or purchased before registration opens for the season, and we cannot take special requests for dates and times. There is not a wait list for Sloth Encounters. Encounter spots are limited and only available online first-come, first-served.

These encounters, presented by EARTH Limited, provide zoo visitors with the opportunity to meet one of our sloths up close. Half of proceeds from sloth encounters will be donated to the Sloth Institute, and the remaining proceeds will help support EARTH Limited’s educational programming at Southwick's Zoo.

Each encounter session will last approximately 20 minutes. Participants will meet zoo staff in front of the EARTH Discovery Center 5-10 minutes before their encounter. Encounters begin with a brief talk focusing on sloth biology, conservation, and the sloths living at the zoo. Participants will enter the enclosure and feed Jenny a few pieces of her breakfast. Participants may have the opportunity to touch the sloths depending on the animal’s behavior, however touching is not guaranteed. Participants will NOT be able to hold the sloths.

*Spots are VERY limited and must be reserved online in advance. Zoo passes, coupons, discounts, or other offers cannot be applied to the price of sloth encounters. Gift certificates are not available for sloth encounters.

Pricing

Non-member: $59 (+ processing fee)

EARTH Ltd. Member: $49 (+ processing fee)

Note to EARTH members: To receive your member discount, click “enter promotional code” when you register. Your code is the first 5 letters of your last name + the first 2 letters of your first name. Example: John Smith’s code would be SMITHJO. If your last name is fewer than 5 letters, just use your full last name + the first 2 letters of your first name, Jane Doe’s code would be DOEJA.

*Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.

NOTE: Pricing for sloth encounters DOES NOT include admission to the zoo. Zoo admission can be purchased at the entrance the day of your encounter, however we strongly recommend purchasing zoo admission in advance online. Click here for current admission and visitor information.

• Participants will not be allowed hold the sloths. Participants may have the opportunity to touch the sloths depending on the animal’s behavior, however touching is not guaranteed.
• All Sloth Encounter participants must be at least 8 years of age.
• Only registered and paid sloth encounter participants are allowed into the sloth enclosure. Non-registered family and friends visiting the zoo are welcome to watch and take pictures from outside of the habitat however!
• Each encounter session has a maximum of 2 people.
• Encounter time is 10:30am, be on time. Admission ticket price is not included with the encounter.
• Please be aware that, due to the limited availability, sloth encounters cannot be rescheduled. If participants do not show up or are more than 10 minutes late to their scheduled encounter, the encounter cannot be refunded or rescheduled. Refunds are not available for Sloth Encounters.
• We suggest wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes. We DO NOT recommend wearing flip flops or sandals.
• Sloth encounters take place rain or shine.
• Zoo passes, gift cards, coupons, discounts, or other offers cannot be applied to the price of sloth encounters.
• We cannot take requests for custom dates/times. The only dates available are those listed on the registration page. Please note that sloth encounters cannot be reserved or purchased before registration opens for the season.
• There is not a wait list for sloth encounters.