"Is the sloth slothful? Or is he willing but simply not very able? The Tirler family took one of the surprising little creatures into their home to see.
In Brazil, where the Tirlers live, the animal is called an A-i for the tiny sigh which is the only noise he is capable of making, even in times of direst stress. After the Tirler A-i was transplanted to domestic life and named Nepomuk, he soon settled dreamily into the family's garden and allowed them to study his few natural habits: fifteen hours out of every twenty-four for sleep, the rest for eating.
The sloth has a ridiculously small heart for its weight and a very low metabolism, which no doubt explains the peace-loving trance of its ways. But Nepomuk's gently permanent smile and affectionate disposition caused him to become a much-loved member of the Tirler family and a regular guest at their Sunday lunch--though if rain had fallen and the sloth was wet, he was first hung up on the clothesline to dry.
After the Tirlers and the A-i grew more used to each other, the Tirlers found a bride for Nepomuk, and before long they were able to announce a baby sloth in the family. The baby proved good sport, amusing to the Tirlers and a source of pride to its parents in their few waking hours each day.
This delightful account of the Tirler foster-sloths is illustrated with thirty-two color photographs that convey the rare charm of the A-i."
