Sloth Encounters
Sloth Encounters
Sloth Encounters have not yet started for the 2026 season. Check back soom for updated 2026 info!
Sloth Encounter Frequently Asked Questions
Will Sloth Encounters be offered in 2026? When will they start?
Yes! Sloth Encounters are available every week during the summer, weather permitting. They typically begin around mid-June. For updates, be sure to subscribe to our e-newsletter by visiting our home page and filling out the form on the bottom of the page.
Can I purchase a Sloth Encounter for a date not listed on the registration page?
Sorry! We cannot take special requests. Sloth Encounter dates are released one week at a time to account for weather, staff availability, and the behavior of the sloths. Registration is only available online, first come, first served, and spots are very limited.
Can I reserve a sloth encounter for next year?
Sloth Encounters cannot be booked/reserved before registration opens. Encounters must be booked online through the Eventbrite page.
Is there a waitlist?
Sorry, there is not a waitlist for Sloth Encounters.
Can I reschedule my encounter?
Due to high demand, rescheduling an encounter is NOT permitted.
Have a question about Sloth Encounters that isn’t answered above? Email EARTH@earthltd.org
Hang out with a two-toed sloth at our sloth encounters at Southwick’s Zoo! These encounters provide zoo visitors with the opportunity to meet one of the sloths up close and learn more about these amazing animals. Half of proceeds from sloth encounters will be donated to a designated conservation organization and the remaining proceeds will help support our educational programming.
Each encounter session will last up to 30 minutes. Participants will meet zoo staff at the front gate to Southwick’s Zoo at 9:45AM. Encounters begin with a brief talk focusing on sloth biology, conservation, and the sloths living at the zoo. Participants will enter the enclosure with one of the Educators and have the opportunity to feed the sloth (depending on their behaviors).
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.
Note: Please remember that sloth encounters cannot be reserved or purchased before registration opens for the season. 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.
2025 Pricing
Non-member: $139 (+ processing fee)
EARTH ltd Member: $119 (+ processing fee)
EARTH Member Discount: To receive your member discount, enter the email address connected to your membership as a promo code. Must be a current EARTH ltd member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
Pricing for sloth encounters includes admission to Southwick’s Zoo for the day of your encounter.
Rules & Guidelines
- Participants will NOT be allowed to hold the sloths.
- All Sloth Encounter participants must be at least 8 years of age, and any attendee under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If the accompanying adult is NOT participating in the Sloth Encounter, they MUST purchase Southwick’s Zoo admission online PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED ENCOUNTER. If the accompanying adult wishes to participate in the encounter, they must purchase their own sloth encounter ticket.
- Sloth encounter tickets are each valid for one person and cannot be shared.
- Only registered and paid sloth encounter participants are allowed into the sloth enclosure.
- Encounters begin at 9:45AM on the date of your ticket. Please wait for an EARTH Staff member to meet you at Gate 1 (the gate next to Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern).
- Please be aware: due to the limited availability, sloth encounters cannot be rescheduled and refunds are not available. If participants do not show up or are more than 10 minutes late to their scheduled encounter, the encounter will not be refunded or rescheduled.
- We suggest wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes. DO NOT wear flip flops or sandals.
- Sloth encounters take place rain or shine.
- Zoo passes, zoo 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.
Sloth Encounters have ended for 2025. Please check back in spring 2026 for updates regarding 2026 encounters.
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Sloth Encounter dates are released each week on Thursdays at 10:00am.
Note: Sloth Encounters can sell out VERY 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.
EARTH Nature Center
67 Vineyard Street
Millville, MA 01529