The Arizona Science Center recently celebrated the birthday of Sash, their newest sloth. Sash is a recent arrival the center’s Survival of the Slowest exhibit which runs until August 7, 2022 at the Sybil B. Harrington Gallery, Level 3, and for her birthday she was offered a cupcake with a candle as part of the celebration. Was she overly enthusiastic? Well, remember she’s a sloth. But don’t take our word. Watch the video of the party below.
We’re not too sure if Sash got the whole birthday thing but she did finally open her eyes to take a look. But Sash didn’t grab or gobble the cupcake in a hurry like most of us would have. After all, Sash, a female Linnaeus two-toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus), like her counterparts, mainly eats leaves. Maybe that’s how she keeps her weight down, something we all should consider. Could we be looking at the latest diet trend? Eat like a sloth? But, on second thought, in the wild sloths occasionally jazz up their dinner menu by adding fruit and the occasional bird’s egg, lizard, and insect. That sounds less than appetizing.
Like other non-super charged animals in the exhibit including a Red-Footed Tortoise , Green Iguana, Four-Toed Hedgehog, Bearded Dragon, and Ball Python, at times being slow, small or weak can have its advantages. The Survival of the Slowest showcases how certain species use their disadvantages to survive—and even thrive—in a world where large, strong and fast animals are often at the top of the food chain
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Meet the Animals
The exhibit lets guests get an up-close look at wildlife and daily presentations and meet animals that have survived for millions of years despite their slowness as well as learn about the puzzling sides of evolution and adaptation. It’s also a way to learn the difference between warm- and cold-blooded species, discover why some animals need less food than others, and see the unique ways they hide from predators.
The daily presentations take place at 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. and offer an up-close look at the center’s newest residents during daily presentations featuring a Boa Constrictor, Red-footed Tortoise, Common Leopard Gecko and more. Featured animals will vary by day and presentation.
Animal Care Specialist
A specialist is on site during business hours to monitor the animals, as well as answer questions from guests. Specialists also provide information on backyard conservation and local issues related to wildlife.
Educator Guide
The Aligned Arizona Science Standards, the Survival of the Slowest Educator Guide, is great for educators and parents to use with students during field trips or at home. Click Here
Pricing
Member Admission: $6.95* | General Admission: $8.95* | Children under 3 are always FREE. Purchase here.
*General admission ticket required. Additional tickets are required for the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, Dorrance Planetarium, and featured exhibition.
Acknowledgements
Survival of the Slowest is produced by Little Ray’s Nature Centres in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Bilingual
This is a bilingual exhibition available in English and Spanish.
Esta es una exhibición bilingüe disponible en inglés y español.
