Animal Therapy // November
We all know that snails and turtles are considered one of the slowest animals. But what about other animals? Though of course the list does include a slug and a turtle, you will still be surprised with this compilation of the worlds slowest animals!
Studies have shown that interacting with animals can increase people's level of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin helps us feel happy and trusting. Oxytocin has some powerful effects for us in the body's ability to be in a state of readiness to heal, and also to grow new cells, so it predisposes us to an environment in our own bodies where we can be healthier.
Happy Animal Therapy Wednesday! Here's a dose of animal therapy pictures to break the week with a little peak!
Loris
Native to South East Asia, the cute Loris has only a maximum speed of 1.2 miles per hour. Their typical lumbering state is actually a life-savior. When encountered with a predator, a Loris takes up a defensive posture by curling up, which keeps them away.
Seahorse
The Seahorse counts as many as 54 species with a size ranging between the 1.5 to 35.5 cm (0.6 to 14.0 in). Though their body structure makes the Seahorse uniquely beautiful, it does hinder its movement. As the slowest moving fish in the world, their maximum speeds is about 1.5 meters (5 ft) per hour.
Manatee
The Manatee, also known as the sea cow, is a marine mammal. Their slow nature comes from a very unique place—they have no predators. Blessed with such a relaxed and safe life, all the manatee does is chill all day. Perhaps that is why they are so heavy—with a size that can reach up to 4 meter (13 ft) they can weigh up to 590 kg (1,300 pounds).
Starfish
With about 1500 species, the Starfish is one of the most diverse—and slow—animals. The leather star moves just 15 cm (6 in) in a minute. The sand star, on the other hand, moves with a speed of 2.8 meters (9 ft 2 in) a minute, which is 0.168 km/h (about 0.1 mph).
Gila Monster
Native to the United States, take a deep sigh of relief that this animal is slow. Doing justice to its name, the Gila Monster is one of the two venomous lizard species in North America. This lizard is huge with a size that can reach up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) and a weight that ranges between 350 to 700 g (0.77 to 1.54 lb). Since the Gila monster moves so slow, it barely forms a threat.
Three-Toad Sloth
The Three-Toad Sloth l truly is the epitome of slowness. It has been even named after it since sloth means “being lazy”. The maximum speed that a sloth can achieve is 2 meters (6.5 ft) per minute, which is 0.12 km/h or 0.07 miles per hour.
Banana Slug
Easily mistaken as a banana and named after its similar appearance, the Banana Slug is—not suprisingly—slow. We all know that snails and slugs (the difference is in the shells! slugs have no shells whereas snails do have it) are super super slow. As a child, you have probably stared with curiosity—and patience—at one. The maximum speed that slugs can achieve is 0.3 km/h (0.19 mph).
Koala Bear
Native to Australia, the Koala Bear shares many similarities with the sloth! from their cuteness, to their love of trees and, yes, even their slowness.
Giant Tortoise
Not to forget the world’s slowest reptile, the Giant Tortoise, cannot be missed in this list. Their slow movements are to be blamed on their weight: 300 kg (660 lbs). However, their long lifespan of over 190 years makes up for their slowness!