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Beloved Sloth Athena Dies at Smithsonian Zoo

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Athena, a 7-year-old Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth at the Smithsonian National Zoo, died on November 13 after a sudden health decline.
She suffered from early-onset chronic kidney disease that reduced her appetite and energy.
She was known for a spirited, curious personality that challenged the stereotype of sloths as lazy.
Visitors can still see Vlad and Howie, the other sloths, at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

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Story summary

Athena, a 7-year-old Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth at the Smithsonian National Zoo, died on November 13 after a sudden health decline.
She suffered from early-onset chronic kidney disease that reduced her appetite and energy.
She was known for a spirited, curious personality that challenged the stereotype of sloths as lazy.
Visitors can still see Vlad and Howie, the other sloths, at the Smithsonian National Zoo.