CAN YOU STILL HOLD SLOTHS IN ROATAN?
As of April 2025, the government banned the holding of sloths and animals.
You can still visit the animals but there is no touching or holding allowed.
Did you plan on holding the sloths in Roatan and now need to make other plans? Don’t worry — there are plenty of amazing things to do in Roatan. The beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the sea life are incredible!
Booked an excursion? If you booked an excursion and have not received a notice from your cruise or tour company, you’ll want to reach out to them if you would like to cancel or get a refund.
WHY WERE THE HOLDING OF SLOTHS BANNED?
The ban was introduced to better protect sloths and other wildlife on the island. Concerns were raised over animal smuggling, claims of mistreatment, and the stress caused by constant handling from tourists.
Sloths Are Not Native To Roatan.
Sloth excursions were in very high demand. Roatan began with only one sloth, and once the experience became such an “attraction,” there was a second, then a third, and so on.
Sloths are found in their natural habitat in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America. Specifically, they live in the tree canopies of countries like Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Panama, and Brazil.
This is interesting from The Sloth Conservation Foundation.
“Sloths are the number 1 victim of the ‘wildlife selfie trade’ – they are taken from the wild in huge numbers to be sold for photo/interaction experiences. Being handled by strangers causes huge stress and anxiety for wild sloths, and most die within 3-6 months of being held captive.” – source here .
The article is worth a read if curious to learn more. Read it here.
TOURIST REACTIONS
I read some comments from viewers on a Youtube creators’ video which discussed the Sloth ban. I was surprised by some of the comments. Several people stated that they had no reason to visit Roatan since they couldn’t hold a sloth!
Perhaps a slightly extreme perspective from those who were heartbroken that they couldn’t hold a sloth… in my opinion.
Roatan was a beautiful destination before holding sloths was even a thing. The nature, the sea, the lush green tropical setting, the flowers, the experience of feeling the warm Caribbean water on your skin as you swim or snorkel among vibrant marine life—that’s what makes Roatan special.
Roatan is amazing and has so much to offer. Honestly, one day isn’t even enough.
SLOTHS ARE CUTE!
Trust me, sloths look adorable in pictures. I’m sure it was amazing to hold one. They look eternally happy with how God created their facial expressions, but I’m not so sure any living creature wants to be handled by strangers all day.
Maybe it really is better this way—for them.
Just to be clear: I’m not judging anyone who has done it. Years ago, I held a parrot in Roatan and had a monkey sit on my head. Was that the right decision? Looking back, I may need to re-evaluate my choices.
But perhaps going forward, it is best for the animals to stop this practice.
Interesting short read:
In January 2025, Border Police rescued five sloths, including a baby, in La Ceiba. They were reportedly being illegally transported to Roatán for use in photo ops and tourist encounters. – (source here)
What Are Your Thoughts?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion—even if it’s different from mine. So feel free to share your perspective (respectfully!) in the comments.
This site is a space for travel inspiration and thoughtful reflection. Let’s think outside the box!
By the way, if you want to hug this big sloth, you will find it at Bean Crazy in the West End Roatan. If you take a pic here, send me your snaps over here on the Little Birdie Travel Facebook page or comment with the picture below!
