Wildlife centre staff ‘heartbroken’ after Vincent Van Sloth dies just months after settling into retirement

Vincent Van Sloth, who was named after a social media competition run by the Tropical Butterfly House and Wildlife Centre, died from a kidney problem.

The 29-year-old tree dweller had been rehomed from Hamerton Zoo in Cambridgeshie two months ago and proved popular with visitors to the wildlife park.

A centre spokeswoman said he had already been considered elderly when he “came to live out his retirement” in North Anston and staff had been caring for him after he fell ill.

“The veterinary team and staff administered intensive treatment, constantly monitoring his condition hoping to see improvement whilst keeping Vincent comfortable,” she added.

“Staff keeping vigil were with him at the time of his passing.”

A postmortem examination indicated kidney disease, which can go undetected for years, as the main cause of death. 

The spokeswoman added: “Every death is heartbreaking for the team who work with our amazing animals every day. 

“For those who did get to see Vincent and for those hearts he touched, we are pleased that together we were able to give a befitting name for this much-loved animal before he passed.

“In memory of the immense joy Vincent brought to everyone in his short time here at the park, his legacy will be to raise awareness for the plight that sloths face in the wild and we will be making a charitable donation in remembrance.”