World Sloth Bear Day

OCT 11, 2026

Celebrate World Sloth Bear Day at the Zoo!

Sloth bears are one of the most distinctive bear species in the world, known for their shaggy fur, long claws, and unique feeding habits. Native to the forests of the Indian subcontinent, sloth bears help maintain healthy ecosystems by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds as they forage. They are threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, as forests are fragmented and resources become scarce. The Zoo supports many conservation efforts in the sloth bears’ native habitats in Asia, including our conservation partner, Wildlife SOS. Visit us to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved!

Fun Fact: Mother sloth bears carry their babies on their backs for 2-3 years.

Schedule of Activities

10:00 – 12:00  Educational table with activities at the Sloth Bear Exhibit

11:00 Sloth Bear Keeper Chat and training demo

Activities included with regular admission.

Meet the Sloth Bears!

Step behind the scenes with the Sloth Bear Experience and discover more about our sloth bears directly from the keepers who care for them every day. Hear their unique stories, learn what makes each bear special, and see up close why these remarkable animals inspire so much wonder.

Something Wild is Always Around the Corner.

Keep up with what's new, what's next & what's wild.

Sign Up

Sign up for email updates for plenty of reasons to plan your next visit.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Arkansas Zoo Foundation
Hiland Dairy Foods