Two-fingered sloth Odin on display at ZooParc Overloon since this week

ZooParc's resident population has expanded to include a two-fingered sloth. This unusual animal, which hangs upside down so much that the hairs on its fur grow down, pees only once a week and cannot count to three on its fingers, has been on display at the zoo in Overloon since this week.

Odin, as the one-and-a-half-year-old sloth is called, is from Zoo Heidelberg in Germany, where he was born. He was given a spot at the end of the walking trail, in the giant anteater's enclosure. "Odin has gotten pretty used to it by now and is doing well in his new home. He is enjoying himself and has also already eaten well," said head of animal care Steven van den Heuvel.

Own plan

For general manager Roel Huibers, the arrival of the sloth fulfills a long-cherished dream. "I think they are fantastic animals," he reveals. "They do everything just a little differently, hanging upside down in the tree and not being in a hurry at all. They seem to have a disregard for their surroundings and just draw their own plan. I love that immensely."

ZooParc is the fifth place in the Netherlands where sloths can be admired. Odin came to ZooParc as part of the European breeding program, although it will be some time before a female is added. Huibers: "Sloths are solitary animals, so they don't mind being alone at all. But it would be nice if in a few years we have a pair here and possibly even a little one."