Behind-the-Scenes Sloth Experience

Q: What is included in the Sloth Experience?
A: You will begin your Sloth Experience by learning about the sloth created kind’s natural history. You can touch biofacts like sloth hair, a sloth skull, and the claw of an extinct giant ground sloth. Next, you will enter the sloth habitat, where you can feed the sloth, take photos with the sloth, and ask the zookeepers questions. You will then receive a souvenir to remember your experience.

Q: Can I touch or hold the sloth?
A: For the comfort and safety of our sloth, you are not permitted to touch or hold him. However, you will be able to feed and take photos with the sloth.

Q: Can I take pictures during the Sloth Experience?
A: You may take photos throughout your Sloth Experience under the direction of the zoo staff. Zoo staff may also take photos for you upon request.

Q: Where does the Sloth Experience take place?
A: The Sloth Experience will begin at the Ararat Ridge Zoo’s Animal Actors Stage. Guests will then be escorted by zoo staff to the sloth habitat for their experience.

• Ark admission is not included in the cost of the Sloth Experience. Guests must also purchase tickets to the Ark Encounter to participate in the Sloth Experience. Ticket prices can be found here: https://ArkEncounter.com/tickets/
• While our zoo staff work hard to ensure a safe and fun experience, every guest participating in the Sloth Experience must sign a waiver of liability while making their reservations.
• Children must be six years or older to participate in the Sloth Experience.
• Children ages 6–17 must be accompanied by at least one paid adult to participate in the Sloth Experience.
• Due to the design of the sloth habitat, the Sloth Experience is not ADA-accessible.
• Participating guests must be able to walk to and from the sloth habitat, climb up and down stairs, and stand for up to 30 minutes. Guests must also be comfortable in small, narrow spaces and warm, humid conditions.
• Guests must follow the directions of the zoo staff and should remain calm, quiet, and respectful throughout the program. If guests do not comply, the Sloth Experience may be ended for those guests with no refund at the discretion of the zoo staff.

• Guests may cancel their Sloth Experience up to one week in advance for a full refund.
• Guests who cancel their Sloth Experience less than one week in advance will not receive a refund. No-shows will not receive a refund.
• If the sloth chooses not to participate or a situation occurs that prevents the Sloth Experience from happening, guests will receive a full refund and the chance to reschedule.
• The Sloth Experience will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. Due to the busy schedule of our zoo staff, they cannot postpone the experience for latecomers or no-shows. Please plan to arrive at the Ark Encounter by 9:30 a.m. on the day of your experience to allow ample time for parking, riding the shuttle, bathroom breaks, and walking down to the zoo.