International Sloth Day

Akshita Dakh
Dec 22, 2023 By Akshita Dakh
Originally Published on Mar 21, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
This International Sloth day, raise awareness to save sloths from extinction.

Where is International Sloth Day celebrated?

 International Sloth Day is observed worldwide, especially in Central and South America.

Who is International Sloth Day celebrated by?

Wildlife enthusiasts, animal activists, international wildlife conversation organizations, and the general public recognize and educate others about the ecological significance of sloths on this day.

When did International Sloth Day first start?

This day was launched in 2010 by AIUNAU to raise awareness about the lesser-known species of sloths.

Who started International Sloth Day?

International Sloth Day was founded by Colombia-based foundation AIUNAU.

History And Timeline

Here is a brief overview of the events that led to the launch of International Sloth Day.

First Mention Of Sloths

In scientific literature, sloths were defined as the 'lowest form of existence.'

1749

Presidential Connection

The third American President, Thomas Jefferson, participated in the discovery of an Extinct sloth species.

1804

Discovery Of Sloth Fossils

Sloth fossils of a species called 'Thalassocnus' were found in Peru.

1995

Pygmy Sloth Critically Endangered

IUCN listed pygmy three-toed sloth as Critically Endangered. It is the only Endangered species among the six extant species of sloths.

2006

Founding Of The Day

AIUNAU launched International Sloth Day to recognize the role sloths play in tropical rain forests and raise awareness about the six species of sloths.

2010

Traditions And Customs

Every year, on October 20, wildlife conservation organizations around the world organize various activities to celebrate International Sloth Day, such as virtual seminars, slow yoga, and Q&A sessions. This day serves as a reminder to individuals to slow down and relax in their daily lives, just like sloths.

Various organizations also hold conferences and use social media to raise awareness, collect donations, and educate the public about the significant role sloths play in tropical ecosystems and the numerous threats they face.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate International Sloth Day

Slow down and become a sloth for the day. Take a nap, sleep for 12 hours, perform yoga, and appreciate the slowness of life.

Watch documentaries or movies on sloths such as 'Ice Age' and 'Zootopia.' You may also attend educational seminars to learn about these mammals.

Make a donation to a wildlife organization like the Sloth Conservation Foundation to help conserve pygmy three-toed sloths. You can also post about these animals on social media sites like Facebook. Share facts to raise awareness.

Facts And Stats

  • International Sloth Day is particularly celebrated in Costa Rica where sloths are a tourism symbol and an emblem of the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle as they emanate a vacation mood and a leisurely pace.
  • On International Sloth Day, people are made aware of the most serious dangers that threaten sloths including habitat loss, electrocution, road kills, and illegal trade.
  • International Sloth Day celebrates the slowest terrestrial mammal on earth but excellent swimmers. Sloths can swim three times quicker than they can walk on the ground.
  • On International Sloth Day, organizations fight against deforestation as sloths spend 90% of their time hanging upside down on trees according to World Animal Protection.
  • International Sloth Day raises awareness about the pygmy sloth population that has declined by 80% in recent years. Today, there are less than 100 pygmy sloths, making them one of the world's most Endangered mammals.

Why is International Sloth Day celebrated?

This day is celebrated to recognize the value of sloths in tropical ecosystems and raise awareness about the critically Endangered pygmy sloths.

When is National Sloth Day?

It is celebrated every year on October 20.

Who invented the concept of International Sloth Day?

International Sloth Day was initiated by a wildlife foundation AIUNAU based in Columbia.

What is the ecological significance of International Sloth Day?

Sloths play an important role in tropical rain forests. They cycle the resources throughout the forest and are an essential part of the food chain for numerous animals like jaguars and harpy eagles.

What are some advantages of celebrating International Sloth Day?

Celebrating International Sloth Day raises awareness of how many species rely on sloths for survival. It encourages organizations to start conservation and awareness initiatives, and solicit funds, to safeguard the pygmy three-toed sloth.

How does celebrating this day help in sloth conservation?

This day helps in sloth conservation by raising awareness, educating the public about other species of sloths, and supporting conservation organizations all around the world.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, October 20, 2020
  • Wednesday, October 20, 2021
  • Thursday, October 20, 2022
  • Friday, October 20, 2023
  • Sunday, October 20, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

Sources

https://twpark.com/internationalslothdayblog/

https://earth.org/international-sloth-day/

https://slothconservation.org/sloth-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/

https://nationaltoday.com/international-sloth-day/amp/

https://slothconservation.org/celebrating-international-sloth-day/

See All

Written by Akshita Dakh

Bachelor of Commerce, Masters in Business Administration

Akshita Dakh picture

Akshita DakhBachelor of Commerce, Masters in Business Administration

Akshita Dakh has worked in different roles for example she has worked as a Relationship Manager at Reliance Securities, where she successfully acquired and onboarded HNI clients. Additionally, she has interned in various roles such as E-commerce specialist & Content Writer at Tanpri E-commerce, Social Media Manager & Content Writer at Kamaleya Organics, and in retail liabilities and branch banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Akshita holds a Master's in Business Administration from AMSOM, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Asia Pacific College. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

Read full bio >