Nature's Slowpokes Back at Montréal Space for Life With a Terrific Surprise

MONTRÉAL, June 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - From June 20 to September 7, something special awaits you at the Montréal Biodôme. A six-month-old baby sloth and his mother will greet you in the Nature's Slowpokes temporary habitat, an installation designed to let you see them up close. They invite you to slow down to their speed and take the time to enjoy all the benefits of relaxation. It's a terrific opportunity to watch the baby growing, exploring its environment and interacting with its mother.

A healthy young sloth

On December 17, the Biodôme's Tropical Forest got a new resident when a baby sloth was born. The little male now weighs over 2.69 kg and is in good health. He clings onto his mother and uses her like a hammock. They are both now installed in their temporary summer habitat, which is a great place to watch the sloths.  

Linger with Nature's Slowpokes

Designed by Artistic Director Marie-Claire Lagacé, Nature's Slowpokes invites you to stroll along a pathway and explore the Biodôme in a new light. At the end of the pathway, you'll come to the sloth habitat, where you can lounge lazily and watch the mother and baby in this environment created just for them, along with a number of tortoises, another symbol of slowness. As you make your way along the pathway, you can soak up the sounds of the tropical forest trickling from sound showers and amble through an installation consisting of long strings and floating notes with entertaining facts and anecdotes explaining what slowness means for various species. Then, in the amphitheatre, visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy the Symphony of Life, which portrays the story of an imaginary sloth through music and movement. Smiles and surprises guaranteed!

New: relaxation inspired by Nature's Slowpokes

Every Saturday and Sunday from June 20 to September 6, from 11 to 11:45 a.m., the whole family is invited to do some animal yoga under the summer sun outside the Biodôme. The teacher will suggest some poses inspired by a number of the animals at the Biodôme – you can make like a roseate spoonbill, lynx, skate or penguin.

Note that on June 21, the International Day of Slowness, three yoga sessions will be offered, at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. If it rains, the activity will be held indoors, in the Planetarium.

Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

For further information and to purchase tickets online, see our website: montrealspaceforlife.ca.

Photos, videos, fact sheets: http://bit.ly/Natures_Slowpokes

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Biodôme de Montréal

Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator, Montréal Space for Life, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: [phone]; Karine Cousineau, Karine Cousineau Communications, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: [phone]