St. Louis

Slow-Mo Stars: Saint Louis Zoo’s New Sloth Atrium Opens Tomorrow

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Published on April 14, 2026
Slow-Mo Stars: Saint Louis Zoo’s New Sloth Atrium Opens TomorrowSource: Saint Louis Zoo

Tomorrow, the Saint Louis Zoo is rolling out what might be the slowest grand opening in town: a new Sloth Atrium tucked inside the Primate House. The leafy, open-air space will let visitors get a closer look at Hoffman’s two-toed sloths as they do what they do best - move at their own unhurried pace. You may need a little patience to catch them in motion, but the setup is designed for a quieter, more intimate experience than many outdoor exhibits.

Resident sloths and the Primate House

According to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Primate House cares for Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, including a resident nicknamed Pancakes, in rainforest-style enclosures that support their arboreal routines. The zoo notes that its staff also participates in conservation efforts and Species Survival Plan programs related to these small, tree-dwelling mammals.

Sloth Atrium opens April 15

As reported by KSDK, the Sloth Atrium is an open-air habitat built inside the Primate House and is scheduled to open to the public on April 15. The station’s coverage announced the debut and offered an early look at the new space.

Plan your visit

The Saint Louis Zoo offers free admission and, during the spring season, generally operates from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry 15 minutes before closing, according to the zoo’s visitor information. The Saint Louis Zoo also notes that some attractions and special experiences require separate tickets or an Adventure Pass.

Local coverage highlighted the Sloth Atrium’s opening this week; for the station’s report, see KSDK. Keep an eye on the zoo’s site for any last-minute visitor updates or special viewing schedules.