One of my favorite critters in the entire world is the sloth.  They are just as cool as can be.  (Robert thinks they are kind of creepy.  He is so wrong….)  So, imagine my excitement when I learned there were sloths in the heart of Cartagena.  And, imagine my squeal when I actually saw one….

Sloth hanging out in a tree in Cartagena.

The sloths are in Centenario Park, which isn’t much of a park at all but which is right in front of the entrance to the old city so you can’t miss it.  I read that the sloths were rescued (from what I don’t know because life in the small, largely concrete park can’t be a bed of roses) and released into the park some years ago.  Who knows if that is true or not.

In any event, there are currently at least two sloths living in the park.  This guy was perched way up high on a palm tree.  I’m not sure why, as it looked like he was hanging on for dear life.  Sadly, I’m guessing he was trying to escape the people.

Sloth swaying in the wind in Cartagena.

The second sloth was only a few feet above my head and absolutely devouring some berries.  A crowd of 12-15 people were soon gathered underneath him and he just happily munched away.  I could have touched him if I didn’t know better than to touch the wildlife….

Sloth eating berries in Cartagena.

Oh, and while you are looking for the sloths, keep your eyes peeled for the funny little monkeys that hang out in the park too.

Monkey in the park in Cartagena.