Every so often I have one of those moments that fill me with an insurmountable sense of wonder and delight. It’s akin to an emotional burst of awe experienced by a child on Christmas morning upon first glance of the present-laden tree.

For me, this wonder-filled moment occurred last weekend with two-toed creatures known for their sedentary lifestyle and inability to walk: sloths.

Ever since my students and I explored the Amazon rainforest back in 2018, I became fascinated with these phenomenal animals. In the wild, they move so slowly that algae grows on them! Although often riddled with skin bacteria, the two-toed sloths from a local animal reserve were very clean, covid-free, and visiting a nearby winery to show off their adorable-ness to interested patrons.

I sat outside at my table, sipping a glass of wine and nibbling at a cheese plate while I awaited my turn. I had signed up for the event knowing that I would get to be face-to-face with real, live sloths (in a safe, physically-distanced fashion)! My one-on-one experience was soon to come. I was jittery with excitement.

And then.

I was summoned.

I walked carefully to the nearby enclosure, received some specific instructions from the handler, and then entered into 20 minutes of blissful interaction with my new friends. I couldn’t stop smiling.

There was Forrest, a sweet 11-month-old who had a pillow and basket I was able to hold. He squirmed and wiggled the whole time, resulting in some rather blurry shots.

Behind me Charlie slept in typical sloth-fashion, yet mechanically opened her mouth when I extended a slice of raw zucchini. Noah was the most rambunctious of the team, showing off his climbing skills, while looking for edible handouts. I wasn’t able to pick them up and hug them (so tempting), because they have ridiculously sharp teeth as their number one defense mechanism. I was, however, able to get really close and marvel at each of their intricacies.

Time went by so fast. I could have stayed for hours watching the sloths sleep, move, and chomp down their veggies. I knew that others were waiting for their special moment, and so I reluctantly bid adieu to my two-toed friends. I knew that later, they would be brought out to hang in front of the other star-struck individuals like myself who couldn’t get enough of these slow-moving marvels. I washed my hands, sipped again at my wine, and enjoyed the aftermath of the delightful feelings that were still filling my heart.

Thank you Forest, Charlie, and Noah. Until next time…