A Beloved Icon Departs: Smithsonian's Oldest Sloth, Chewbacca, Passes Away at 24

It's with a truly heavy heart that we share some somber news from the nation's capital. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced this week that Chewbacca, their much-loved 24-year-old Linne's two-toed sloth, passed away on December 3rd. She was, for so many visitors and staff alike, an absolute icon, and her passing leaves a quiet void.

Chewbacca, known affectionately for her remarkably gentle demeanor and that signature slow, deliberate pace, succumbed to what veterinarians diagnosed as early-onset kidney disease. It’s always tough when an animal companion, especially one so beloved and with such a distinct personality, faces health challenges like this.

For several weeks leading up to her death, the dedicated animal care team and veterinary staff at the zoo had been keeping a very close eye on Chewbacca. They provided her with all the supportive care they possibly could, working tirelessly to make her comfortable and alleviate any distress. Despite their best, compassionate efforts, her condition unfortunately worsened, and a difficult but humane decision had to be made for her welfare.

Born right there at the National Zoo in 1999, Chewbacca spent her entire life as a cherished resident, eventually becoming the oldest sloth in their care. You know, she really was a fixture. Her presence, often hanging upside down with her male companion Valentino nearby, brought smiles to countless faces over the decades. She had a way of just… being, that made you pause and appreciate the world a little differently.

Her longevity, it's worth noting, is quite remarkable. Linne's two-toed sloths typically live around 20 years in human care, and only about 10 to 12 years in their natural wild habitats. So, at 24, Chewbacca truly lived a long, full life, well beyond what many of her wild counterparts would experience. She really defied the odds, in a beautiful way.

The entire zoo community, from the keepers who looked after her daily to the researchers studying her species, and of course, the millions of visitors who caught a glimpse of her serene existence, will deeply miss Chewbacca. Her memory will undoubtedly live on as a testament to the quiet wonder of these fascinating creatures and the incredible dedication of the National Zoo to the animals in their care.