International Sloth Day
October 20
International Sloth Day is widely celebrated on October 20 to raise awareness about sloths, the threats they face, and the urgent need to protect them in the wild.
At The Sloth Conservation Foundation, we continue the celebration throughout October with Slothtober, our annual Sloth Month campaign filled with sloth stories, science, conservation, and meaningful ways to celebrate sloths and help protect them in the wild.
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Where: Worldwide
How: Online activities, fundraising, educational resources, and local events
Slothtober 2026: Sloths Wild and Free
The 2026 theme for Slothtober and International Sloth Day imagines the future we want for every sloth: wild in connected forests and free from trade and exploitation. Throughout October, we will explore what this future looks like, what it will take to make it a reality, and how we can build it together.
Keep Sloths Wild
Throughout October, we will show how scientific research, canopy bridges, forest restoration, community conservation, and advocacy work together to protect sloths and their future.
Keep Sloths Free
This year, advocacy takes center stage. Through the Sloth Protection Alliance we are campaigning to end commercial sloth imports into the United States and stop harmful hands-on encounters.
Celebrate and Help Sloths on International Sloth Day
Whether you have five minutes, a classroom, a fundraiser, or the ability to give, there are meaningful ways to help protect wild sloths this International Sloth Day. Choose the action that works for you.
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Join a global community of monthly supporters helping fund sloth research, habitat restoration, canopy bridges, education, and advocacy. Fellowship members receive exclusive monthly stories and field updates from the sloths and projects they help make possible.
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Bring International Sloth Day to your school, workplace, community group, or organization by hosting a talk, creative activity, fundraiser, or awareness event. You can also look for a local celebration and encourage others to protect sloths respectfully in the wild.
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Turn your International Sloth Day celebration into conservation action by creating a fundraiser for wild sloths. Invite your friends, family, classmates, colleagues, or followers to help protect sloths and their rainforest habitat.
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Choose the way of giving that works best for you, including monthly donations, tax-deductible donations in the United States, Gift Aid on eligible UK donations, and other ways to give. Your support helps fund scientific research, restore rainforest habitat, install canopy bridges, and protect wild sloths.
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Visit the Slothopedia for science-based answers about sloth biology, behavior, ecology, and conservation, created by the specialists studying and protecting them in the wild. Share what you learn and help replace common myths with reliable information.
Why SloCo Celebrates International Sloth Day on October 20
The Sloth Conservation Foundation celebrates International Sloth Day on October 20. A fixed date provides clarity and makes it easier for schools, researchers, conservation organizations, businesses, and sloth supporters everywhere to plan and participate.
Our annual Slothtober campaign builds throughout October and culminates in International Sloth Day on October 20.
The United Nations and the UN Environment Programme have both marked International Sloth Day on October 20.
Slow Down and Celebrate International Sloth Day
Sloths inspire us for reasons that go far beyond their unmistakable faces. They remind us that there is value in slowing down, using energy wisely, and moving through life at our own pace.
In a fast-moving world that often treats speed and productivity as the only measures of success, that message resonates deeply. It also crosses borders. Our International Sloth Community includes people from around the world who find joy, comfort, and inspiration in sloths, and who want to help protect them in the wild.
Explore the map to see where our global community is joining from, and discover more about why sloths are loved worldwide.
Why Do Wild Sloths Need Protection?
Wild sloths depend on connected tropical forests. Habitat loss and fragmentation often force them to cross roads or use power lines, while dog attacks, wildlife trade, tourist handling, and environmental change add further pressure.
Protecting sloths also protects the forest habitat and safe routes they need to survive.
How SloCo Protects Sloths in the Wild
The Sloth Conservation Foundation combines scientific research with practical, community-led conservation in Costa Rica. We monitor wild sloths, restore rainforest habitat, install canopy bridges, support environmental education, and advocate for stronger wildlife protection.
Download event materials
Download official International Sloth Day and Slothtober logos, social media graphics, educational activities, and fundraising materials. Use these free resources to celebrate, teach, raise awareness, and support wild sloth conservation.
More educational and fundraising resources are coming soon.
Help Protect Sloths All Year
International Sloth Day brings the world together on October 20, and the work continues every day.
Join the Sloth Fellowship or make a gift to support research, habitat restoration, community conservation, and advocacy for wild sloths.
Your Questions About International Sloth Day
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Slothtober is The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) annual Sloth Month campaign. It runs throughout October and includes stories, science, activities, and ways to support wild sloth conservation.
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You can learn about sloths, share reliable information, organize an event, start a fundraiser, use our campaign resources, or support sloth conservation.
International Sloth Day is a global celebration, and many activities can be done online or within your own community. -
Join the Sloth Fellowship, make a gift, fundraise, or support one of SloCo’s conservation projects. Sharing reliable information and choosing responsible wildlife experiences also helps protect wild sloths.
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The names International Sloth Day and World Sloth Day are often used for celebrations that raise awareness about sloths. The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) calls its October 20 celebration International Sloth Day.
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The Sloth Conservation Foundation celebrates International Sloth Day every year on October 20. Follow SloCo throughout October to join the celebration and take part in Slothtober.
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Follow The Sloth Conservation Foundation for information based on scientific research and direct conservation work with wild sloths. Join us on social media and subscribe to our emails for stories, discoveries, and updates from the field.