Listen…
We’ve all been told it’s important to “slow down,” but in today’s hyper-connected, notification-filled world, slowing down feels like a luxury most of us can’t afford. But what if slowing down wasn’t just a break from the chaos, but something we need to survive?
The Vancouver Aquarium’s latest exhibit, Survival of the Slowest, invites visitors to discover just that. Open now through Sept. 1, the exhibit takes a fascinating look at some of nature’s most unhurried creatures and explores how their slow-and-steady strategies help them thrive.
The new exhibit introduces visitors to the surprising lives of sloths, armadillos and even a few unexpected underdogs of the animal kingdom. These aren’t just animals that are slow to move—they’re slow to consume, slow to exert energy and sometimes just really, really good at blending in.
“We always assume that being bigger, stronger and faster in the animal kingdom is ideal. However, this exhibit highlights how species use their slow pace as a survival strategy,” says Vancouver Aquarium Animal Care Director Mackenzie Neale.
Slow and steady wins the race
For instance, have you ever heard of a creature so relaxed it spends most of its life hanging upside down? Meet the two-toed sloth – the ultimate example of how beneficial it can be to take life at your own pace. With a metabolism so slow that algae can grow on its fur, the sloths’ slow-motion lifestyle keeps them under predators’ radar—a lesson in how staying low-key can be a literal lifesaver.
Hands-on fun
There’s plenty to see—and even some opportunities to touch! Survival of the Slowest invites guests to discover tactile animal displays and supersize sculptures, and even get up close and personal with nature’s slow-motion superstars. Under the guidance of the Aquarium’s expert staff, visitors will have the chance to interact with the exhibit’s most curious creatures during daily Slow & Tell presentations. In addition to sloths, you can expect to see snakes, turtles, hedgehogs and so much more.
Lessons from the animal world
While there’s plenty of wonder—and let’s be honest, cuteness to enjoy, Survival of the Slowest also encourages visitors to consider some big-picture questions like: does conserving energy beat rushing forward, or does hiding sometimes work better than fighting? You’ll leave not just entertained, but also with a fresh perspective on nature—and maybe even on life.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for families to slow down, explore and reconnect with one another,” explains Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager at the Vancouver Aquarium. “So often, we’re focused on moving quickly that we forget to appreciate the little things—the slower things—that make life extraordinary.”
Guests of the exhibit will also have access to the Aquarium’s other all-stars, including rescued sea otters, sea lions, blacktip sharks, giant Pacific octopus and even the Goeldi’s Monkeys.
Don’t miss your chance to take a breather and immerse yourself in a world where slow is smart, small is strong and chill is, well, undefeated. Because if there’s one lesson we can all take from the animal kingdom, it’s that life is better when you slow down—at least every once in a while.
You can learn more about the exhibit, including ticket information and hours, at www.vanaqua.org/survival.
