Pembrokeshire sloth becomes one of the oldest in Europe
Folly Farm had cause for celebration last weekend when Lightcap, the sloth, became one of the oldest in Europe after reaching her 42nd birthday.
Lightcap arrived at the animal park in 2021, together with 26-year-old Tuppee, to enjoy what their keeper has described as their 'twilight years', following retirement from another zoo.
A bespoke new retirement home was built specially for the elderly couple in the Tropical Trails enclosure, complete with biomass heating, soft flooring and extra places in which they can snooze.
Just like humans, elderly sloths are prone to creaking joints and aching muscles, so Folly Farm knew how important it was to make their new abode as comfortable as possible.
The branches were positioned close together so that the sloths can easily climb around and explore, while a sprinkling system ensures that they have the correct humidity levels.
Lightcap’s keepers have admitted that the birthday girl was spoiled rotten throughout the weekend’s festivities.
The longest ever recorded lifespan of a slot is 43 years.
Pembrokeshire sloth becomes one of the oldest in Europe
Folly Farm had cause for celebration last weekend when Lightcap, the sloth, became one of the oldest in Europe after reaching her 42nd birthday.
Lightcap arrived at the animal park in 2021, together with 26-year-old Tuppee, to enjoy what their keeper has described as their 'twilight years', following retirement from another zoo.
A bespoke new retirement home was built specially for the elderly couple in the Tropical Trails enclosure, complete with biomass heating, soft flooring and extra places in which they can snooze.
Just like humans, elderly sloths are prone to creaking joints and aching muscles, so Folly Farm knew how important it was to make their new abode as comfortable as possible.
The branches were positioned close together so that the sloths can easily climb around and explore, while a sprinkling system ensures that they have the correct humidity levels.
Lightcap’s keepers have admitted that the birthday girl was spoiled rotten throughout the weekend’s festivities.
The longest ever recorded lifespan of a slot is 43 years.