Shedd Aquarium is home to a sloth once again after more than 20 years. A two-year-old Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth named Alface arrived at the aquarium this fall and has quickly become one of its most talked-about new residents.
“Lettuce” introduce you to Alface
In 2023, Alface (pronounced al-FAH-see) was born at the Dallas Zoo. In September, she relocated to Shedd as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program to breed animals in order to save them. In Portuguese, the word for her name means “lettuce,” which may seem random at first, but it makes sense when you realize that it was the first solid food she ever ate, and that Portuguese is widely spoken in her native range in South America.
Alface continues to adjust to her new home and is getting to know her caretakers through sessions of instruction.
How animal encounters inspire conservation
Linné’s two-toed sloths spend most of their lives in their natural environment, literally hanging out in the treetops of the Amazon River Basin. They remain asleep for up to 15 hours a day, move slowly to save energy and depend on healthy forests to stay alive. Right now, their primary threats are deforestation and loss of ecosystems.
Sloths are also small ecosystems. Their rough fur collects algae and various small bugs, which can make them look green and help them hide up in the treetops. At Shedd, Alface’s diet is a little less of a mystery. She eats leafy greens, vegetables and fruits, like sweet potatoes, grapes and mangos.
Alface is one of about 40 “public engagement animals” at the aquarium. These are animals that come to pop-ups, educational events or even classrooms in Chicago. The idea is simple: people will want to protect animals more if they feel a connection to them.
“Every encounter with an animal at Shedd can be the spark that inspires conservation action… We’re excited for guests to connect with Alface and, in turn, care more deeply about sloths and the Amazon Rainforest,” said Katie Majerowski, manager of animal engagement.
So come stop by and meet Alface today!
