Most of us animal lovers will literally jump at any chance to spend time with them – whether it’s cuddling with our beloved pets or watching the bison graze at Prairie State Park. The Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri also makes it easy to hang out with some animals – like the adorably slow sloths – that we normally wouldn’t get to see up close. A ton of fun awaits at this sloth encounter in St. Louis.

Please note: The sloth encounter at the Saint Louis Zoo sells out very quickly. Keep an eye on the Saint Louis Zoo website and Saint Louis Zoo Facebook page for updated information.

If the mere sight of a sloth makes you go “ohhh” and “ahhh,” you probably can’t pass by the unique Sloth Slowdown, a limited-availability animal encounter at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Google/Erin Bacher
Don't worry if you haven't snagged a space in one of the sloth encounters. A trip to the Saint Louis Zoo makes seeing sloths in Missouri easy. Just stop by their habitat (hopefully they'll be awake).
The half-hour Sloth Slowdown encounter, which is available for two guests at a time, offers insight into the lives of these sleepy animals – all from the keepers who care for them each day.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
This is a one-of-a-kind animal encounter in Missouri.
Work alongside the sloth’s keeper to create an enrichment activity for your new four-legged friend, and watch as the sloth enjoys a delicious snack.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
Bring your camera along, because you’ll have a ton of photo-worthy moments as you spend time near one of the zoo’s most popular residents.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo

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Guests to the Sloth Slowdown must be at least five years old, and both participants must wear closed-toed shoes.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
The sloth encounter is generally offered at several times, and reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of your desired date.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
Sloth encounters sell out very quickly, so make sure you regularly check the Saint Louis Zoo website to catch when tickets go on sale.
If Sloth Slowdown isn’t available for your chosen date, consider one of the other encounters with such popular zoo residents as penguins, giraffes, rhinos, and gigantic tortoises.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
The Gentle Giant encounter with giraffes lasts 45 minutes. You might even get to feed the giraffes.
Learn more about the animal encounters and book your own on the official website of the Saint Louis Zoo. Or, visit its Facebook page.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo

Have you been to one of the animal encounters at the Saint Louis Zoo? Would you sign up for this sloth encounter in St. Louis? Share your experience in the comments! For another one-of-a-kind animal adventure, picnic with the alpacas at Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch in Holden.

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More to Explore

Animal Attractions In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | April 07, 2023

What are some zoos in Missouri?

You’ll find several zoos in Missouri, including:

  • Saint Louis Zoo. The free-admission zoo spans 90 acres and is home to countless animals, including penguins, giraffes, tigers, bears, and sloths. (Some activities do require a fee.)
  • Kansas City Zoo. Stroll through the 200-acre zoo in Missouri, where you can see kangaroos, seals, and zebras.
  • Dickerson Park Zoo. A Missouri favorite since 1923, Dickerson Park Zoo is home to sloths, kangaroos, and goats, and has a playground, a train, and delicious food.
  • Promised Land Zoo in Branson is perfect for exploring, and you can sign up for one of the behind-the-scenes animal encounters for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

 

Are there any other animal attractions in Missouri?

Animal lovers have plenty of animal attractions to visit in Missouri. In addition to Missouri’s popular zoos, plan a visit to:

  • Big Joel’s Animal Safari. Hang out with more than 500 animals and 60 species, including kangaroos, deer, camels, and reptiles.
  • Wild Animal Safari allows you to go on a safari. Hop aboard a bus that will take you along a five-mile path, where you’ll spot grazing bison, goats, and giraffes.
  • Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka gives visitors a glimpse of endangered wolves, foxes, and painted dogs. Sign up for one of its educational programs or tours.

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Featured Addresses
Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA