Sloths showed surprising speed to escape from zookeepers who were trying to catch them for health checkups.

The slow-moving mammals were being captured so the vet could give them vaccine shots in Chonburi, Thailand.

However, the creatures, known for their sluggish movements, suddenly had a burst of speed as they tried to dodge the team.

Footage shows the first sloth hanging on a branch and refusing to be enclosed in the string bag.

The workers carried the first one to a nearby station to take its weight and height.

The remaining mammals were not as easy to catch, with some hiding behind thick plants.

One was seen climbing 20ft up a tree, which had to be shaken to force it to descend, only for it to scale even higher and tighten its grip.

The sloth moved to another tree, making it more difficult for the employees, while another group worked below.

Visitor Som Mikan said: 'The keepers were trying to catch them to get vaccines, check their weight, and give a general check-up, but all the animals fled.'

Eventually, the zoo staff members used a longer pole to guide it down and put it in the bag on April 21.

Sloths are known for their very slow movement, which is due to their low metabolism and energy-efficient lifestyle.