A retirement home for sloths has opened in Wales — and you can visit
A newly-opened retirement home in Wales will take care of older sloths who are no longer able to live in zoos.
Folly Farm, situated in the harbour town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire, have welcomed two retired sloths to the home already. Tupee and Lightcap are now under the special care of the team who head up the home.
The gentle slow-moving animals have been known to live for up to 50 years, but hit their retirement age at around 20, so will need extra care once they get too fragile to live in the zoo.
"Initially we didn’t make a conscious decision to home older sloths. Conservation is key for us at Folly Farm and our breeding programmes are a huge part of that, but our older animals are just as important to us and we need to make sure they’re looked after in their old age," Emma Folly of Folly Farm told Country Living.
"By taking on these older sloths and giving them a comfortable retirement, we’re helping conservation efforts at other zoos by freeing up enclosures for younger, breeding pairs."
"Sloths are lovely, gentle animals who have so much personality. Tuppee is our granddad sloth at 24-years-old. Like many older men, Tuppee has been known to be a bit grumpy and even misbehaves at times but he’s a real softie at heart," continues Emma.
"Lightcap joined us in November. She’s 10 years Tuppee’s senior at 34-years-old, which makes her the 5th oldest sloth in any European zoo. She’s a gentle soul but she knows exactly what she wants. It’s great to know we’re giving them the best possible care in their golden years."
From aching muscles to creaks in their joints and trouble eating solid foods, the retirement age of sloths is one that needs additional care. And at the home, they are always well looked after.
Planning a trip to Wales soon? Head to Folly Farm and pay a visit to the retired sloths.
('You Might Also Like',)
