Creeping Wonders: The World's Slowest Animals You Have to See

Oct 8, 2025

Ashwini BN

Three-Toed Sloth

The ultimate symbol of slowness, the three-toed sloth moves through trees at just 0.24 km/h. Its lethargy saves energy, keeps it hidden from predators, and makes it a master of the slow life in Central and South American rainforests.

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Garden Snail

Snails may leave a shiny trail, but their pace is glacial—about 0.013 km/h. With a home on its back, this tiny creature’s slow crawl helps it avoid drying out while savoring each leafy meal.

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Starfish

Moving at roughly 0.02 km/h, starfish are oceanic wanderers. Despite having no brain, they sense their surroundings and slowly reach food, relying on hundreds of tiny tube feet to creep along the sea floor.

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Manatee

The gentle sea cow glides through rivers and coasts at a calm 5 km/h. These herbivorous mammals spend most of their time grazing, floating effortlessly, and occasionally surprising snorkelers with their serene presence.

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Tortoise

Tortoises, especially giants like the Galapagos species, plod at about 0.27 km/h. With a sturdy shell and long lifespan, they carry the philosophy of “slow and steady wins the race” in every step.

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Seahorse

Seahorses drift slowly through water at 0.01 km/h, gripping coral with prehensile tails. Their unique upright posture and deliberate movements make them one of the ocean’s slowest, most mesmerizing dwellers.

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Sluggish Blobfish

Found in deep oceans, blobfish barely move, conserving energy in crushing pressures. Its gelatinous body allows it to hover above the seafloor, waiting patiently for any edible scraps to drift by.

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Star-Nosed Mole

Though a mole may sound fast, the star-nosed mole moves cautiously underground at minimal speeds. Its unique nasal tentacles help it sense prey, proving slow doesn’t mean inefficient.

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Koala

Koalas, lounging in eucalyptus trees, move at about 0.08 km/h. Their slow pace conserves energy from a low-calorie diet, making them masters of relaxed living in Australia’s forests.

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Sloth Bear

Unlike their speedy bear cousins, sloth bears amble at 0.1 km/h while foraging termites and ants. Their deliberate movements, combined with powerful claws, make every step count in survival.

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