Sloths in Puerto Rico: Not Native, But a Sanctuary Exists in Luquillo

No sloth species is native to Puerto Rico. The island's terrestrial mammal fauna is limited to bats (13 species) — no xenarthrans (sloths, anteaters, armadillos) naturally occurred.

Sloth Sanctuary of Puerto Rico

• Location: Luquillo, northeast coast (near El Yunque).
• Mission: Rescue, rehabilitate, release (when possible) — primarily two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) from the exotic pet trade or hurricane displacement.
• Visitors: Guided tours; observation of sloths in naturalistic enclosures; education on conservation.
• Status: Non-profit; USDA licensed; collaborates with DRNA (Dept. Natural Resources).

Why No Native Sloths?

• Puerto Rico separated from South America ~30 Ma — before sloths dispersed overwater.
• Greater Antilles had endemic ground sloths (Acratocnus, Megalocnus) — extinct ~5,000 ya (human arrival).
• No land bridge, no swimming dispersal for arboreal folivores.

Seeing Sloths in PR

Visit the sanctuary (book ahead). Do not attempt to import or keep sloths — illegal (Endangered Species Act, Lacey Act, PR Law 241), unethical, and nearly always fatal for the animal.