By  Sheetal Kumari| August 16, 2025

Meet Paula: World’s Oldest Sloth in Captivity

Meet Paula

Paula, a Linne’s two-toed sloth from Germany, lived to an incredible 50 years, a Guinness World Record.

Image: Guinness World Records

Arriving at Halle Zoo in 1971

Paula came from South America to Halle Zoo at age two, beginning a peaceful and long life in Saxony-Anhalt.

Image: Guinness World Records

Her 50th Birthday

On 14 June 2019, Paula marked her golden birthday, the human equivalent of 90 years.

Image: Guinness World Records

Beating the Odds

She lived over twice the wild lifespan of two-toed sloths, surpassing even the 40-year mark common in captivity.

Image: Guinness World Records

From “Paul” to Paula

For 20 years, Paula was thought to be male until a 1995 ultrasound revealed the truth.

Image: Guinness World Records

A Life Without Stress

Stable care, a calm environment, and familiar keepers for decades were key to her extraordinary age.

Image: Guinness World Records

Gentle Companion

She shared her enclosure peacefully with another sloth pair and a group of night monkeys.

Image: Guinness World Records

A Legacy That Lives On

Paula’s remarkable life remains an inspiration for animal care and conservation worldwide.

Image: Guinness World Records

Next: Meet the Kea: The Rarest Bird and the World’s Only Alpine Parrot
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