Face-to-face with Princess Peanut: a 25-minute Two‑Toed Sloth encounter in Sweetwater

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.

Duration
25 Minutes
Location
Sweetwater
Operator
Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ANIMAL

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.

THE ROUTINE

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.

THE LEARNING

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.

1
Curious FamiliesGood for families with children age 8 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult 18+, making this a supervised, educational activity for older kids.
2
Close‑up PhotographersIdeal for guests who want controlled, close photographic access: the session explicitly includes taking photos during the 25‑minute visit.
3
First‑time animal encountersWell suited to people seeking an introductory, hands‑on wildlife experience—guests are guided by staff while they feed and pet the sloth.
4
Small‑group visitorsBest for pairs or solo visitors: sessions accommodate up to two guests, so larger groups should expect to split into multiple bookings.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The encounter runs for 25 minutes.

Meeting point

Meet at Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics in Sweetwater for check‑in and the start of your session.

Group size & age rules

Sessions accommodate up to two guests; participants must be age 8 or older and any child participant must be accompanied by an adult 18+.

What the visit includes

You will enter the sloth’s enclosure under staff supervision to hand feed, pet and take photos while learning from knowledgeable staff.

Booking Notice

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.