Why do Sloths Need Our Help?

Sloths are some of the most unique and gentle animals on Earth—slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammals that have evolved over millions of years to thrive in the forests of Central and South America. But today, their survival is under growing threat.

A Dangerous Modern World

As human development expands into tropical forests, sloths are increasingly forced to navigate a landscape filled with hazards they never evolved to face. One of the most urgent threats is electrocution from power lines.

Sloths spend nearly their entire lives in trees. When forests are fragmented by roads, farms, and urban development, they are often forced to climb down and travel along power lines to reach the next patch of habitat. These lines are not insulated—and for sloths, a single misstep can be fatal.

In some regions, electrocution is one of the leading causes of injury and death for sloths.

Losing Their Forest Homes

Deforestation continues to shrink and divide the forests sloths depend on. Land is cleared for agriculture, cattle ranching, infrastructure, and urban growth, leaving sloths with fewer safe places to live.

Fragmented forests create isolated pockets of habitat, making it difficult for sloths to find food, mates, and shelter. This isolation can weaken populations over time and reduce their chances of survival.

Slow Animals in a Fast-Changing World

Sloths are uniquely adapted to a slow, energy-efficient lifestyle. But that same trait makes them especially vulnerable to rapid environmental change.

They cannot quickly escape danger, relocate to new habitats, or adapt to sudden disruptions. What has made them successful for millions of years now puts them at risk in a human-dominated world.

How your donation will be used

• Insulating power lines in key areas

• Building wildlife crossings between forest patches

• Protecting and restoring critical habitat

• Supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts

Why It Matters

Protecting sloths isn’t just about saving one species. Sloths play an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, which in turn support biodiversity, regulate climate, and benefit communities around the world.

When we protect sloths, we protect forests—and when we protect forests, we protect our planet.