Last sloth shuffles off

ADELAIDE Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its oldest residents – and Australia’s last sloth – Miss C.

The Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth was euthanased on Friday after her quality of life deteriorated due to age-related health issues.

Adelaide Zoo curator of conservation and native fauna Dr Phil Ainsley said Miss C was 43.

“The average life expectancy of a sloth in the wild is about 10-12 years old, so Miss C truly was a phenomenal creature and believed to be the oldest of her kind in the world,” Dr Ainsley said.

“Her long life is a true testament to the stellar care provided by our dedicated zoo staff over the years.”