Meet a sloth, pet a python + more at this amazing new animal exhibit

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Sash is a two-toed sloth and one of the stars of Survival of the Slowest at McWane Science Center. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

It’s not every day you find yourself inches from a two-toed sloth lazily lounging on a tree branch or watching a boa constrictor glide effortlessly through its habitat. But you can at McWane Science Center in Birmingham, where the newest traveling exhibit, Survival of the Slowest, is capturing the attention of all ages, from animal lovers to curious families and science enthusiasts.

My family checked out the Magic City’s newest live animal experience to see why it’s so fascinating. Read on for a look at the exhibit, a few standout animal encounters you’ll find inside and how to plan your visit.

Bonus: McWane has new summer hours and is open seven days a week! Get your tickets now.

What is the Survival of the Slowest exhibit at McWane Science Center? 

Survival of the Slowest: Counterintuitive Adaptations opened June 13 on the first floor of McWane Science Center’s Adventure Halls. As the center’s first traveling exhibit featuring live animals, (its other animals live in-house), it’s bringing a sloth, snakes and other fascinating creatures to downtown Birmingham through January 4, 2027. 

Produced by Little Ray’s Nature Centre in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, the exhibit explores how animals lacking speed, size or strength survive in the wild using unexpected adaptations like camouflage, energy conservation, insulation, thermoregulation and defense strategies.

As you move through the exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with animals from around the world, discovering surprising facts through interactive experiences and daily educational presentations led by expert animal care specialists. Animal encounters vary daily making every visit a little different.

Must-see animal encounters at Survival of the Slowest

Sash the Linnean Two-Toed Sloth

_{Sash is a Linnaeus Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and one of Survival of the Slowest’s most fascinating mammals. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)}

The first animal to win us over was Sash, a two-toed sloth who spends most of the day relaxing in a basket suspended from a tree branch inside her habitat. 

It’s been a few days since we saw Sash, and honestly, we’re still not over it—just look at that sweet face.

While Sash might look like she’s always napping because, well, she kind of is, we learned sloths move slowly for an important reason: Their low-energy lifestyle helps them conserve calories and avoid drawing attention from predators in the wild by moving around less often. 

Fun fact: Sash the sloth is native to northern South America, including parts of the Amazon rainforest.

Covi the blue-tongued skink

_{Covi the northern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is one of the animal ambassadors guests can meet in Survival of the Slowest. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)}

Next up was Covi, a northern blue-tongued skink. This one caught us off guard in the best way. 

At first glance, Covi seems calm and unassuming, but it has a bold defense strategy. When threatened, its species flashes a bright blue tongue to scare away predators.

This simple and effective strategy proves survival isn’t always about size or speed.

Fun fact: Covi is a rescue animal who is native to northern Australia.

Kaa the common boa constrictor

One of the coolest moments during our visit happened when Kaa the common boa constrictor made a special appearance outside his habitat. As part of McWane’s education programming, Kaa occasionally joins animal care staff for up-close demonstrations that help guests learn more about snakes and their role in the ecosystem.

Bonus: Guests may get the chance to gently touch Kaa under his handler’s guidance. His scales are so silky smooth, you’ll be asking for his skincare routine.

Fun fact: Kaa is a rescue animal native to South America. This species has 200+ pairs of ribs!

More animals to discover

While Sash, Covi and Kaa were highlights for us, they’re just a few of the animals you can discover at Survival of the Slowest. 

Others include:

• “Lion” the leopard gecko
• “Pete” the bearded dragon
• “Roser” the ball python
• “Squirt” the Russian tortoise
• “Thelma” the Mexican red knee tarantula
• + more 

Plan your visit to Survival of the Slowest in Birmingham

Survival of the Slowest runs through January 4, 2027 and is included with general admission to McWane Science Center—no extra ticket required. With the museum now open seven days a week until August 9, it’s an easy way to stay cool while exploring one of Birmingham’s newest exhibits.

• Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Now open 7 days a week until August 9!
  • Mon–Fri: 9AM–5PM
  • Sat: 10AM–5PM
  • Sun: 12–5PM
• Cost: 
  • Survival of the Slowest is included in general admission to McWane Science Center.
  • General Admission to McWane’s Adventure Halls:
    • Adults (13-64): $20.95 each
    • Kids (2-12): $16.95 each
    • Seniors (65+): $19.95 each
    • Kids Under 2: FREE
  • Combo Tickets (includes IMAX documentary): 
    • Adults (13-64): $25.95 each
    • Kids (2-12): $20.95 each
    • Seniors (65+): $24.95 each
    • Kids Under 2: FREE
• Tickets

Don’t miss more exciting things happening at McWane Science Center—check out their event page + get your tickets now.

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