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How long does a three-toed sloth last?

Typical lifespan
20–40 yr

One of the slowest mammals, moving about 0.24 km/h and descending from its tree only to defecate.

How that compares

Three-toed sloth against things of a similar time.

Three-toed sloth 20–40 yr
Komodo dragon 25–35 yr
Toilet 20–50 yr
Solar panel 25–40 yr
Great hammerhead 20–44 yr
Front door 20–60 yr
Shortfin mako shark 28–32 yr
Harpy eagle 25–35 yr

What that means over time

Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.
Period How many you would buy
Per year 0.0333 replacements
Over 10 years 1 of them
Over a 30-year mortgage 1 of them

Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

More about a three-toed sloth

Common questions

How long does a three-toed sloth last?
A three-toed sloth lasts 20–40 yr.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked