How long do Linnaeus's two-toed sloths live?

In captivity they live an average of about 27.8 years, with some individuals reaching around 40. Since they can be a companion for many decades, it's important to plan your environment with the long term in mind before bringing one home.

Can a beginner keep this species?

Linnaeus's two-toed sloths require careful temperature and humidity management along with specialized knowledge, so they're considered suitable for experienced keepers. They aren't recommended as a first exotic pet.

How large do they grow?

Adults reach a body length of 53–89 cm and weigh 4–11 kg. The enclosure should be sized and heightened with this adult build in mind from the start.

What do they do during the day?

Being nocturnal, they spend most of the daytime resting quietly. Most activity happens at night, and they naturally live alone rather than in groups.

Does CITES apply to this species?

Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth

The Linnaeus's two-toed sloth is the largest living species of sloth, native to the tropical forests of northern South America, where it spends most of its life moving slowly through the treetops. Adults reach 53–89 cm in body length and weigh 4–11 kg. Nocturnal and solitary by nature, they have a reputation for a calm, unhurried temperament. In captivity they live an average of about 27.8 years, with some individuals reaching 40, making them a long-term companion. Because they are rarely available in Japan and require specialized housing and care, this species is best suited to experienced keepers.

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Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth key facts

Care level: Advanced
Lifespan: 20-30 years (captive average 27.8, up to 40)
Size: Head-body 53-89cm / 4-11kg
Diet: Leaves, fruit, vegetables
Cage: Not a cage animal: a dedicated room strung with branches and ropes up to the ceiling so it can always hang
Grooming: The coarse coat needs no brushing, but check that the fur dries and the skin stays healthy in a humid setup
Temperament: Solitary and slow-moving, but with strong claws and bite; nocturnal, sleeping about 15 hours a day
Notes: A rainforest animal needing heat and humidity. Lives around 30 years, so plan for the long term. Imports need infectious-disease notification

TraitsArborealNocturnalSolitaryLong-livedExtremely rare

About Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth is the largest living sloth species, native to South America's tropical forests. Nocturnal and solitary, it lives an average of about 27.8 years in captivity and requires experienced, specialized care.

7 things to know before welcoming a Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth

1Best for experienced keepers
Linnaeus's two-toed sloths require careful temperature and humidity control along with specialized husbandry knowledge, making them best suited to experienced keepers. They are not recommended as a first exotic pet. Gather thorough information from specialty stores or experienced owners before bringing one home.
2Tall, spacious enclosure
Since these sloths spend most of their time climbing, they need a tall enclosure with plenty of vertical space, branches, and sturdy perches to rest on. Keep in mind they grow to 53–89 cm in body length, so plan for an enclosure that stays comfortable as they mature.
3Nocturnal, solitary habits
Two-toed sloths are nocturnal, resting quietly during the day and becoming active at night. They are naturally solitary, so there's no need to keep more than one together. It helps to adjust household noise and lighting to match their day-night rhythm.
4Temperature and humidity control
Native to tropical forests, this species needs stable warmth and humidity in its enclosure. Large swings in either can affect its health, so dedicated heating and humidifying equipment are essential.
5Specialized diet prep
Sloths feed mainly on a limited range of plant matter, so keepers need to consistently prepare specialized food suited to the species. Because nutritional imbalance can affect their health, it's best to plan the diet with guidance from experienced keepers or specialty stores.
6A long-term commitment
In captivity these sloths live an average of about 27.8 years, with some individuals reaching 40. Bringing one home means committing to decades of care, so it's worth thinking ahead about how your living situation might change over that time.
7Rarely available
Even specialty exotic pet stores in Japan carry this species only occasionally, so opportunities to meet one are limited. If you're considering one, it's best to have your environment and knowledge ready first, then wait for the right opportunity.

Frequently asked questions about Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth

Q.How long do Linnaeus's two-toed sloths live?: A.In captivity they live an average of about 27.8 years, with some individuals reaching around 40. Since they can be a companion for many decades, it's important to plan your environment with the long term in mind before bringing one home.
Q.Can a beginner keep this species?: A.Linnaeus's two-toed sloths require careful temperature and humidity management along with specialized knowledge, so they're considered suitable for experienced keepers. They aren't recommended as a first exotic pet.
Q.How large do they grow?: A.Adults reach a body length of 53–89 cm and weigh 4–11 kg. The enclosure should be sized and heightened with this adult build in mind from the start.
Q.What do they do during the day?: A.Being nocturnal, they spend most of the daytime resting quietly. Most activity happens at night, and they naturally live alone rather than in groups.
Q.Does CITES apply to this species?: A.Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.