WASHINGTON — The National Zoo is grieving the loss of a 7-year-old sloth named Athena, who died after a "sudden and irreversible" health decline.

According to the National Zoo, Athena developed early-onset chronic kidney disease, making it hard for her to keep weight on.

"Over the past few months, despite dedicated care and support from Animal Care staff, her weight loss accelerated," zoo officials explained. "She also spent more time sleeping, was slower to wake up and showed less interest in eating her preferred foods."

On Nov. 13, Athena was brought to the zoo's veterinary hospital and died overnight. An exam had revealed she had lost weight and muscle mass, but did not reveal an obvious cause.

Athena died at just 7 years old, while the zoo says female two-toed sloths typically live

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