Meet one of the most charming animals at Whitaker Center in a guided 30-minute Sloth Encounter designed for small groups. This experience gives guests (up to 6 per group) the chance to get closer, learn more, and enjoy an unforgettable moment with support from the Animal Care Team!

*Non-member reservations available starting Sunday, July 12, 2026 @ 10 A.M.

Quick Overview

• Guests must be age 5+
• 30-minute session
• Select weekend dates through August
• Every session begins at 2 PM
• Skewer-feed the sloth
• Pictures encouraged (no flash permitted)

Please review the terms and conditions before booking your experience.

Not a UPMC Science Center Member yet? Signing up is easy!

What to Expect

 Reservations

• Limited spots. For the best care, comfort, and well-being of the sloth and our guests, encounters are limited to once daily on select dates and must be scheduled in advance.
• Member bookings w/ non-member guests. The named member must be present at check-in to honor the member rate for the Sloth Encounter experience. If any party in your group is not covered under your UPMC Science Center Membership, they’re required to buy a general admission ticket to the Science Center. General admission is not included with the experience.
• Age & supervision policy. Children must be age 5+ to participate. Any guest under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (21+).

 Interaction & Experience Overview

• Your group should arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled encounter for a brief orientation with the Animal Care Team.
• You’ll be invited into the sloth enclosure (in groups of up to 3 at a time) where the animal feels most comfortable.
  • Please note: The enclosure is a hot and humid environment with uneven surfaces and a dirt floor.
  • Lightweight clothing and flat shoes are recommended. (Shoe covers will be provided)
  • No jackets allowed.
• You may skewer-feed and take photos or videos with the sloth. (Flash not permitted)
  • Hugging or forced interaction is not allowed.
• Typically, the encounter lasts 15–30 minutes, depending on the sloth’s comfort and behavior.

 Health & Safety Guidelines

To ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and animals:

• Children must be supervised at all times.
• If anyone in your group shows signs of illness (cold, fever, etc.), we ask that you reschedule — sloths are very sensitive to human germs.
• Follow all staff instructions during the encounter.

FAQs

 Can I hold the sloth?

• No, sloths are quite fragile, and holding them can stress them out. Our encounters focus on gentle interaction, skewer-feeding, and photos/videos on the sloth’s terms.

Are photos allowed?

• Yes! Visitors are welcome to take photos or videos, as long as they follow staff instructions and move slowly around the animal.

Is the fee the same for all group sizes?

• This experience is priced per group, not individually. Groups may have up to 6 guests!

Please review the terms and conditions before booking your experience.

Not a UPMC Science Center Member yet? Signing up is easy!

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