A Heartfelt Farewell from Krefeld Zoo in Germany
In a poignant farewell, the Krefeld Zoo in western Germany announced the passing of Jan, the world’s oldest sloth. At the age of 54, Jan left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of many, not just in Germany but around the world. The zoo confirmed that Jan passed away last week, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.
A life well-lived
Born in 1969, Jan began his life at Hamburg’s Hagenbeck Zoo before spending the last 38 years at Krefeld Zoo. Over the years, Jan became an integral part of the zoo’s community. “It was very difficult for his keepers to say goodbye to him, as some of them had known and cared for him for over 25 years,” the zoo said in a statement.
Jan made headlines in 2021 when Guinness World Records declared him the “Oldest sloth in human care.” This accolade added to his already impressive status, making him a global icon. Notably, the previous record was also held by a German sloth named Paula, from a zoo in Halle.
Krefeld Zoo highlighted Jan’s remarkable life, noting that he was a ‘record sloth’ “not only because of his age, but also because of his high number of offspring.”
According to DW, Jan fathered an astounding 22 sloth pups with his partners Lolita and Trine. Remarkably, his age did not deter him from fathering his last offspring, a baby girl, in March of this year.
The zoo had always celebrated Jan’s life with great enthusiasm, nominating April 30 as his birthday each year. According to Guinness World Records, Jan was believed to be in excellent health as recently as March, a testament to the dedicated care he received from his keepers.
Defying expectations
Two-toed sloths generally have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. Jan, however, defied these odds by living more than double that time. Experts note that sloths in captivity can live up to 30–40 years, thanks to a controlled environment and consistent care. These slow-moving creatures feed on leaves, fruit, and tree sap, and their slow digestion mirrors their unhurried way of life.
A legacy remembered
As Jan’s story comes to a close, his legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations. His remarkable life serves as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. Krefeld Zoo, along with Jan’s countless admirers, will remember him fondly as a symbol of endurance and vitality.