Face-to-face with a rainforest slow‑mover: the Sloth Encounter in Bremen

BREMEN ZOO FIELD GUIDE

Face-to-face with a rainforest slow‑mover: the Sloth Encounter in Bremen

A 30‑minute, guided session at Paws and Claws Encounters where you feed and pet Calliope, learn about sloth biology and conservation, and explore the farm’s other wildlife.

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Face-to-face with a rainforest slow‑mover: the Sloth Encounter in Bremen.

Duration
30 Minutes
Location
Bremen
Operator
Paws and Claws Encounters
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At a small farm operation in Bremen, Ohio, a short, carefully run encounter puts you within arm’s reach of Calliope, a resident sloth. Over the course of the visit you’ll feed and pet her, hear about the rainforests of Central and South America where sloths live, and learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting their habitat. The experience is designed to combine hands‑on education with expert guidance and leave time to explore the rest of the farm and its animals.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ANIMAL

Meet Calliope — feed and pet a sloth

This is a one‑of‑a‑kind, hands‑on education moment: participants get to feed and pet Calliope under expert supervision, making it a rare close encounter with a sloth.

CONSERVATION

Learn where sloths live and why they need protection

Guides explain sloth diets, their rainforest homes in Central and South America, and the conservation issues—like deforestation—that threaten them.

BEYOND THE ENCOUNTER

Explore the farm and capture memories

After the sloth session, visitors are encouraged to explore the rest of the farm, meet other animals, and document the visit with photos and video.

What the day feels like

What the encounter feels like

Compact and intimate, the encounter is a guided 30‑minute session that places a small group next to Calliope for feeding, petting and a short conservation‑focused talk. The pace is deliberate—matching the rhythm of the animal—while offering clear instruction, photo opportunities, and a chance to extend your visit by walking the farm afterward.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this encounter suits — and who should sit this one out.

1
Families with young childrenNot a match for families traveling with toddlers: children under 6 are not permitted, and younger kids may need to wait for a different offering.
2
Families with older childrenA strong fit for families with children aged 6 and up, provided that anyone under 16 is accompanied by an adult as required.
3
Educators and student groupsSuitable for educational visits that meet the age rules—this encounter emphasizes hands‑on learning and conservation context.
4
Solo adult wildlife fansAppropriate for solo adults who want an intimate, supervised experience with an expert guide.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Consider your clothing choice for a farm setting and for close animal interaction; dress comfortably and in layers as appropriate.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Sloth Encounter?

The encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Where do we meet for the experience?

Meet at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen for check‑in and the guided session.

Can I take photos or video?

Yes—pictures and videos are allowed and highly encouraged so you can capture memories of the encounter.

Will I be able to touch or feed the sloth?

Yes; the encounter includes the opportunity to feed and pet Calliope under expert supervision while learning about sloth care and ecology.

Are there age restrictions for participants?

Children under 6 are not permitted, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How large are the groups?

Sessions are run for small groups; the headline information for the offering is 30 minutes with up to 10 people.