SWEETWATER ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Face-to-face with Princess Peanut: a 25-minute Two‑Toed Sloth encounter in Sweetwater
A hands-on session at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics where up to two guests enter the sloth enclosure to feed, pet, photograph and learn from expert staff.
Face-to-face with Princess Peanut: a 25-minute Two‑Toed Sloth encounter in Sweetwater.
Adventure brief
Face-to-face with Princess Peanut: a 25-minute Two‑Toed Sloth encounter in Sweetwater
In the shaded calm of Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater, a deliberate, 25‑minute encounter with Princess Peanut the Two‑Toed Sloth trades speed for intimacy: you step into her enclosure, hand-feed and pet her, take photos and listen as staff explain her habits and care. The experience favors close observation over spectacle, letting guests watch the sloth’s slow, purposeful movements and make a direct connection under staff supervision.
Sweetwater, Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a rare and enchanting wildlife experience at Mitchell's Petting Zoo & Exotics. Here, guests aged eight and above can spend a focused 25 minutes up close with Princess Peanut, a gentle two-toed sloth, in an intimate and educational encounter unlike any other in the region. This hands-on adventure is designed for small groups—just two guests per session—ensuring a personal and immersive interaction with one of nature’s slowest, most captivating creatures.
Princess Peanut’s enclosure is a controlled but inviting environment where visitors can enter alongside an expert staff member. During this time, you’ll hand-feed her preferred snacks, stroke her soft fur, capture memorable photographs, and observe the subtle, deliberate movements that define sloth behavior. Unlike typical zoo visits where animals are distant, this experience invites you directly into her space, lending an extraordinary perspective on the life of a two-toed sloth.
This encounter is especially unique in Sweetwater, a town more commonly known for outdoor hiking and river adventures, as it blends wildlife education with a tactile connection. The two-toed sloth, native to Central and South American rainforests, is an oddity for Tennessee’s wildlife scene, making this offering all the more special. The zoo’s knowledgeable guides provide insights into the sloth’s slow metabolism, its arboreal lifestyle, and conservation challenges, enriching your appreciation of a creature few get to meet in the U.S.
Mitchell's Petting Zoo & Exotics prioritizes sustainability and animal welfare, ensuring that Princess Peanut’s health and comfort remain paramount. Visitors must purchase general admission in addition to the encounter, supporting the zoo’s ongoing efforts to rescue and care for exotic and native animals. This personalized experience is especially suited for families, animal lovers, and anyone seeking a unique wildlife moment during their East Tennessee travels.
Why book this? The Two-Toed Sloth Encounter offers a quiet, serene escape from fast-paced adventures, providing mindfulness through slow observation and gentle interaction. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to connect with wildlife in a new way—a rare adventure not found in typical petting zoos, and a photo opportunity that’s bound to delight.
Whether you’re passing through Sweetwater or making it your base for exploring the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains, Mitchell's Petting Zoo adds a distinctive chapter to your outdoor adventure story. Reserve your spot early to enjoy this intimate glimpse into the life of Princess Peanut, and bring home not just pictures, but stories of connection with this fascinating creature.
Route Schematic
Itinerary at a glance
A short, structured flow guides the entire encounter from meetup through hands‑on time and exit.
Meet at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics
Guests assemble at the operator’s location in Sweetwater for check‑in and to meet the staff who will lead the encounter.
Briefing with staff
A staff member briefs guests on safety, how to hand feed and pet Princess Peanut, and what to expect during the visit.
Enter the enclosure
Up to two guests enter Princess Peanut’s enclosure under staff supervision to hand feed, pet and photograph her.
Wrap‑up and exit
The staff concludes the session, answers questions and escorts guests out of the enclosure at the end of the 25‑minute experience.
This program is limited by participant rules: sessions are 25 minutes, available for guests age 8 and up (any child participant must be accompanied by an adult 18+), and accommodate up to two guests per session. Operators may adjust procedures for safety or animal care.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet Princess Peanut
A focused, personal introduction to the zoo’s Two‑Toed Sloth: guests enter her enclosure to observe her characteristic movements and interact directly during a single, concentrated session.
Hands‑on feeding, petting and photos
The encounter centers on close contact: visitors hand feed Princess Peanut, gently pet her and take photographs while a staff member guides the interaction and explains care and behavior.
Staff‑led interpretation
Knowledgeable staff accompany guests inside the enclosure, offering context about the sloth’s biology, preferences and the proper way to handle and feed her during the session.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
The session moves at the sloth’s pace: an intimate 25‑minute visit where a staff member escorts up to two guests into Princess Peanut’s enclosure to hand feed, pet and photograph her while sharing insights about her behavior and care.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this encounter suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The encounter runs for 25 minutes.
Meet at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater for check‑in and the start of your session.
Sessions accommodate up to two guests; participants must be age 8 or older and any child participant must be accompanied by an adult 18+.
You will enter the sloth’s enclosure under staff supervision to hand feed, pet and take photos while learning from knowledgeable staff.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Two‑Toed Sloth Encounter?
The encounter lasts 25 minutes.
Where do we meet for the experience?
Meet at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater for check‑in before the session.
What will we do during the session?
Guests enter the sloth’s enclosure with a staff member to hand feed, pet and photograph Princess Peanut while learning about her behavior and care.
Are there age or accompaniment requirements?
Participants must be age 8 or older; any child participant must be accompanied by an adult 18+.
How many guests can participate at once?
Sessions are limited to up to two guests.
Will staff be present during the encounter?
Yes. A knowledgeable staff member accompanies guests inside the enclosure to guide interactions and provide interpretation.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:58.264Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.