Vancouver Aquarium mourns Hurricane, its "most beloved" sloth, dead at 29

The Vancouver Aquarium says Hurricane, a sloth it described as its "most beloved," has died at age 29.

The aquarium announced the news on its Instagram page. It said Hurricane had been receiving specialized geriatric care and close monitoring from its veterinary team, and it extended condolences to everyone who knew, loved and visited her.

Why it matters

For many people in Vancouver, the aquarium is a place they have visited, and Hurricane was one of its animals that visitors came to know. The aquarium said her curious nature meant public interactions created "meaningful moments." Several people replied to the aquarium's post to express their sadness.

The announcement also gives a picture of how the aquarium says it cared for her in her later years. The aquarium said the health, welfare and safety of the animals in its care are its highest priority.

What we know

• The aquarium announced Hurricane's death on Instagram and said she was 29.
• It called her its "most beloved" sloth.
• Her veterinary team had been providing specialized geriatric care and close monitoring, according to the aquarium.
• The aquarium said she was known for her bond with keepers and trainers, whom she enjoyed interacting with each day.
• Through strong relationships and cooperative training, Hurricane was able to take part in her own healthcare, the aquarium said.
• That cooperation allowed veterinarians to collect health data, including blood samples and ultrasound measurements, it said.

Daily Hive reported that sloths live around 29 to 30 years in the wild, meaning Hurricane's death was not an early one.

What remains unclear

The aquarium's announcement did not include a cause of death or the date she died.