Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, Jessie, pictured, can be found in Woodland Park Zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest. (Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo)

Hang on, there’s a new sloth in town! Woodland Park Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of Jessie, a female Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, who is joining Fezzik, the male sloth who arrived last year.

Jessie, 26, was born September 10, 1999, at Philadelphia Zoo and has had three offspring. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the zoo and gives guests another opportunity to connect with this elusive tree-dwelling species.

Jessie and Fezzik,11, are Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths—Choloepus hoffmanni—a species known for its slow-moving, upside-down lifestyle in the forest canopy. Named for the two long, curved claws on each front foot, these nocturnal mammals spend much of their time resting, climbing and browsing on leaves, fruit and flowers.

Sloths are found in Central and South America and are generally known for gentle dispositions and unhurried movements. 

Jessie and Fezzik were paired under a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan and will live together in their habitat. In true sloth fashion, Jessie and Fezzik are still slooowly being introduced to each other, so only one sloth may be visible in the short term while they get to know each other. 

“We’re thrilled to have a second sloth, Jessie, join Fezzik here at Woodland Park Zoo,” said Arden Robert, Animal Care Manager at Woodland Park Zoo. “Jessie and Fezzik offer visitors a unique chance to observe the calm, fascinating behaviors that make sloths so beloved.” 

Guests can find Jessie and Fezzik hanging out in the zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest, where they also share their habitat with the zoo’s golden lion tamarins.