Sometimes in life, you have an experience that has a
tremendous impact on you and touches a special place in your heart. The
experience forever changes you. For me, one such experience took place at the
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica in April of 2013, when I spent time there as a
sloth care volunteer. And I was further inspired during a second visit there in
July of this year.
The Sloth Sanctuary's learning center |
I have loved animals my whole life. So much so that I
pursued a career with animals and, for 15 years, I have cared for dolphins.
Currently, I work as a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer at the National Aquarium. I love
my work and am passionate about sharing these incredible animals with our
guests so they might be inspired to help conserve our world’s oceans. I
consider caring for animals and educating others about them to be my calling.
As a professional dedicated to the animals in my care, I sometimes
seek inspiration outside of my own field. One life-altering day, I saw a
television special on the Sloth Sanctuary, which shared the story of sanctuary
founder Judy Avey-Arroyo and her rescue work with the sloths in Costa Rica.
This short television program had me from the start.
Judy’s story was incredibly moving. Here was a woman who dedicated her life to
animals in need. It was easy to see even through the television screen that she
had a gift for nurturing these fragile rescued sloths. And she chose to alter
the course of her life to do exactly that.
The sanctuary was everything I believed it would be, and
so much more. It is rare to find people so passionate and enthusiastic toward
their cause. Judy and her team work tirelessly to ensure each sloth receives
the care, enrichment, and attention necessary to heal and thrive.
Meeting and working with Judy, her incredible daughter
Ursula, and the rest of her family and team was such an honor. Mere words
cannot express just how touching it was to see them in action working with the sloths, treating each one like he or she was the most precious creature who ever
lived. They pour their heart and soul into the care of each sloth. And when one
doesn’t make it, they mourn.
A Bradypus sloth forages for Cecropia leaves |
Meeting Judy and Ursula in April 2013 |
My experiences during my first visit to the sanctuary
inspired me so much that I did several presentations on the sanctuary's efforts
at local schools near where I live. It was so neat to see the kids get excited
about sloths and the rainforest.
It was a dream come true to return to the sanctuary a few weeks ago. My experiences during both my visits were profoundly moving.
There are simply no words to adequately express the difference these people are
making in the lives of sloths. But I will try to find some of the right words.
• What is the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica?
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is located on the
Caribbean side of Costa Rica, near the coast. The property is on 320 acres of
tropical lowland rainforest along the Estrella River.
The Sloth Sanctuary offices, gift shop, and inn |
The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation,
and, when possible, the release of orphaned and injured sloths. They also
enthusiastically support research focused on better understanding sloth biology
and behavior as well as discovering ways to preserve their rainforest habitats.
They also educate both the local people of Costa Rica and the world about these
enigmatic creatures.
The sanctuary, now a world-renowned sloth rescue center,
would not exist had it not been for dedicated animal lovers Judy Avey-Arroyo
and her husband Luis Arroyo. The Arroyos initially purchased the current
sanctuary property in 1974 with a plan to eventually retire there. They decided to protect the land within a government-run program as a wildlife refuge. In 1989, they began a bird watching tour business where guests viewed a large variety of bird species along the river aboard a large pontoon boat. After a 7.6 magnitude earthquake changed the course of the river on the property,
they had to discontinue the tours. They then developed a small bed and
breakfast on the property.
In 1992, everything changed when Judy and Luis had a visit
from the children of a neighbor. The reason for the visit was to seek help for
a tiny infant three-fingered sloth who was found near an adult sloth who had
been killed by a car. The children knew the Arroyos were passionate about
animals and would be able to help.
Judy and Luis took in the tiny sloth and began calling around
for advice to local zoos and wildlife rescue centers, which were few and far
between at the time. The Arroyos discovered that little was known about sloth
care and their search turned up empty handed. So they decided to try and help
the little sloth as best they could. They gained some helpful insight through
observations of the sloths on their property. Their efforts were successful and
the little sloth made it. They named this special sloth Buttercup. To this day,
Buttercup thrives and lives at the sanctuary.
Buttercup, July 2016 |
Once word got around that the Arroyos successfully helped
a sloth, people started calling. Soon, there were several needy sloths in the
care of the Arroyos. These experiences taught Judy and Luis of their calling at
this point in their lives. They were meant to help in the plight of injured and
orphaned sloths.
In 1997, this special corner of Costa Rica, within the
loving arms of the Arroyos and under the watchful eye of Buttercup, became an
authorized rescue center. The sanctuary and the Arroyo family endured the
difficult loss of dear Luis in 2011, but they dedicated themselves to
continuing their important work in his memory.
• Helping those who cannot help themselves
Today, the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica has a reputation
for excellence both in Costa Rica and around the world. Because of their vast
experience and the importance they place on animal welfare, they are considered
experts in their field.
There are six known species of sloths in the world, and
all are found exclusively in Central and South America. Of these, four are
three-fingered sloths (of the genus Bradypus)
and two are two-fingered sloths (of the genus Choloepus). I used the term, “fingered” instead of “toed” as all
six species of sloths have three toes on their hind legs. The difference lies
in the number of fingers on the front legs. These two kinds of sloths are very
different from one another both in appearance and behavior.
Choloepus Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) |
Two of the six species of sloths live in Costa Rica. One
is the Brown-Throated three-fingered sloth (Bradypus
variegatus) and the other is the Hoffmann’s two-fingered sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni). All of the sloths
served by the sanctuary are one of these two species. Due to a variety of
factors, many more Choloepus sloths
find themselves in need of help from the sanctuary. Around 90% of the sloths
rescued by the sanctuary are Choloepus.
Bradypus sloth (Bradypus variegatus) |
Sloths need the help of the professionals from the
sanctuary for many reasons. Some arrive with injuries, such as burns from
electrocution on power lines, wounds from dog bites, trauma from being hit by
cars, or broken limbs from falls. Babies arrive when found abandoned or
discovered clinging to a mother who has passed away.
On one occasion, a
mother Choloepus sloth and her baby survived a terrible fire at a chemical plant
in Limón, a town a half an hour north of the sanctuary. When they arrived at the sanctuary, both mom and baby were covered in black soot from nose to feet. This fortunate pair were in good hands and they were successfully
rehabbed and returned to the wild.
Some sloths arrive with minimal damage and can be quickly
treated and returned to the forest. Others have injuries requiring extensive
treatment. Others arrive in such a state that it is not possible to do anything
other than provide a little comfort in final moments.
Judy, Ursula, and the rest of the team treat all ailments
tenderly and in a timely manner, and provide a safe and comfortable haven for
each patient. If a sloth cannot be returned to the wild, the sanctuary provides
a lifelong and loving home.
Unfortunately, the number of animals displaced by
deforestation or impacted by other human-related activity is growing rapidly.
When the Arroyos began their noble work, they were one of only a handful of
organizations participating in wildlife rescue. Today, there are 390 registered
rescue centers in the country of Costa Rica. This is a staggering number and a
strong indicator of increasing negative impact of human activity on Costa Rican
wildlife.
Jojo and Joel |
However, there is an upside. It also demonstrates an increased willingness by citizens to intervene when they encounter an injured or orphaned animal of
any kind, and take it to a rescue center. This means that public education is
truly important in helping solve these human made challenges.
• Here are some of the beautiful truths I learned while
there.
Judy takes great care in selecting the team of people who
work alongside her and her family. Running the sanctuary and providing the high
level of care to all of the resident sloths takes a village of skilled and
dedicated people. She employs veterinarians, sloth care specialists, educational
tour guides, groundskeepers, as well as a highly skilled office team
specializing in technology, social media, design, fundraising, and
administration. She also hosts researchers interested in discovering more about
sloths.
Judy and Ursula are fantastic leaders and mentors to the
team. The members of the team look up to them, which is quite evident when
watching their interactions. Everyone on the team takes great pride in the work
they do for the sanctuary. Judy and Ursula constantly talk about how much they
love their team. They express a deep respect and admiration for each team
member’s unique gifts and contributions, as well as an appreciation for his or
her commitment to the sanctuary. It is clear these feelings are mutual.
Andrea, a sloth care specialist |
Selma, a sloth care specialist |
• Animal welfare is a top priority
During my visits to the sanctuary, I continually witnessed
excellent animal care and welfare. I was moved beyond words by the high level
of care shown to each and every sloth in residence. All sloths at the sanctuary
are attended to on a regular basis throughout the day, and in the critical
cases, even more frequently, including throughout the evening and night. The
sanctuary carefully follows laws and guidelines put forth by their governing
agency, MINAE.
The sloths reside in several locations around the
property. There are two areas for baby sloths, two areas for juveniles and adults,
a quarantine area, and several areas for sloths transitioning to life back in
the wild.
Choloepus sloth climbing |
Marshmallow, a rescued Choloepus infant |
Spirit, a rescued Bradypus infant |
The NICU houses babies who either need regular milk or
with specific life-threatening health conditions requiring close monitoring. The
nursery houses babies who are still young but not in need of milk. These sloths
receive care from Judy, Ursula, and other experienced team members specially
trained in providing the particular care required by these fragile individuals.
The sanctuary's NICU |
The staff keeps meticulous records on the food intake,
weight, and behavior of each baby. Babies also spend time outside in a special
area devoted to teaching them valuable skills they would ordinarily learn from
their mothers, including climbing and potty training.
Baby Choloepus sloths practice important skills |
Adults are housed in two areas; one visible to tourists
and one behind-the-scenes. The sloths in the public area are permanent
residents of the sanctuary. These sloths are not candidates for release due to
varying conditions that make it impossible for them to survive in the wild. Their
enclosures allow guests nice views during tours while protecting sloths from
being touched by unfamiliar hands.
Sloths in the Learning Center |
The sloths in the behind-the-scenes area are adults or
juveniles who are old enough to be independent. Some of these sloths are permanent
residents of the sanctuary and others are candidates for release. These sloths are
usually housed individually, as sloths are usually solitary.
Leena |
Li'l Angel |
Dutchess |
Female Choloepus sloths |
Female Choloepus sloths |
Post-mealtime rest |
Tree branches for climbing and a hammock for resting |
Platform for mealtime |
Fresh air and space |
Each sloth has a clipboard next to his or her enclosure with information on diet and bathroom habits. This allows the team to record very detailed information on what each sloth eats at each meal, including special notes for individuals with differing dietary requirements and preferences. They also note urine and fecal output when seen.
Clipboard for logging individual sloth diet information |
The food provided to the sloths is of the highest quality
and specially selected to meet the nutritional needs of the two kinds of sloths
at the sanctuary. Choloepus sloths
receive fresh vegetables in the morning and a variety of kinds of carefully
sorted leaves in the afternoon. Bradypus
sloths receive a variety of leaves (primarily Cecropia, their preferred diet)
for both meals.
Samantha |
All those caring for and interacting with the sloths
showed the utmost respect and consideration each time they worked with each
animal. It was beautiful and moving to see.
• Excellent medical care and husbandry
The Sloth Sanctuary team takes great care in providing the
sloths the best medical care. Important for this is a strong emphasis on
preventative medicine. One way they accomplish this is through daily visual
checks on each sloth. First thing each morning, upon entering each enclosure
for cleaning and feeding, team members look each sloth over from head to toe.
The goal of the visual check is to notice anything that
might be out of the ordinary, either physically or behaviorally. Sloth care
team members see the sloths each day and know them well. They recognize that
each sloth is unique and behaves slightly differently than other sloths. This
knowledge allows them to recognize even the slightest of differences that might
be vital in diagnosing an impending health problem.
Bright, alert, attentive |
Log sheet for sloth health concerns |
Another way the sanctuary practices preventative medicine
is through regular check-ups. These exams often include blood and fecal sample
collection as well as baseline radiographs or ultrasound. These measures show
detailed information of the internal health of each sloth. Each sloth has a
file containing all of his or her medical and diet information. These files are
regularly referenced in assessing long-term health of resident sloths.
The Slothpital |
Located near the Slothpital is the quarantine area, which
is a place for sloths arriving at the sanctuary with communicable diseases or
with unknown conditions that might impact other sloths.
• Releasing rehabilitated sloths
The sanctuary tries, whenever possible, to release sloths
back into the wild after rescue and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, it is not as
easy as placing a sloth back into the forest after he or she is healed.
Rehabilitation can take time, and the process differs greatly between
individuals and cannot be rushed. Sometimes release is impossible because of a
sloth’s physical disability or medical needs.
People tend to think that a formerly-captive animal’s survival instincts automatically kick in when the animal is released. However, it’s proven that this is not necessarily true. The animal ends up being disoriented, confused and scared—and this can lead to its death from malnutrition and dehydration.
The sanctuary staff considers several factors when selecting
candidates for release. First, has the sloth thrived independently in the wild
prior to coming to the sanctuary? An orphaned or abandoned baby who hasn't
learned valuable survival and foraging skills from mom is ill-equipped to do
so. Around 95% of the sloths at the sanctuary were neonates or infants when they arrived. Without
the mother’s teachings, they are simply not equipped with the necessary survival skills to live
in the wild.
Second, is the sloth physically able to survive in the wild? Animals with movement hindering injuries or paralysis cannot. Third, does the sloth have the personality and resilience to make it after the experience that landed him or her in the sanctuary in the first place? And fourth, is it possible to return the sloth to the same location where he or she was found? Or would it be dangerous to do so?
Second, is the sloth physically able to survive in the wild? Animals with movement hindering injuries or paralysis cannot. Third, does the sloth have the personality and resilience to make it after the experience that landed him or her in the sanctuary in the first place? And fourth, is it possible to return the sloth to the same location where he or she was found? Or would it be dangerous to do so?
The sanctuary has several locations on the property that
are used in transitioning sloths from sanctuary life to life in the wild. These
are locations where sloths can spend time in the forest engaging in behaviors
like their wild counterparts. They can also be closely observed by sanctuary
team members to ensure the transition is going smoothly. If this goes well, the
sanctuary then decides on a plan for release.
Releasing an animal that is not adequately prepared for
life in the wild can be its death sentence. Thankfully, the Sloth Sanctuary is
committed to taking great care in preparing release candidates for life in the wild, as well as providing a lifelong loving home for sloths who cannot survive in
the wild.
• How can we help sloths in their rainforest homes?
Beyond the excellent care provided to the sloths, the sanctuary
is heavily involved in education, conservation, and research efforts. The
sanctuary offers two separate tours, both of which allow visitors to view
sloths in close proximity and to learn about their unique biology, physiology,
and importance to the ecosystem.
Buttercup |
One of the most meaningful aspects of these tours is
learning about specific individual sloths and hearing their stories. I believe
this helps foster a connection between the sloths and the guests. When you see
how the actions of one small group of people can make such a huge impact on
sloths like Buttercup, Millie, Li’l Angel, PJ, Chewbacca, Bruno, Toyota, and
Darla, among others, it becomes easier to see how changes in our actions,
however small, can make such a profound difference in the life of an animal.
The sanctuary also works closely with sloth scientists to
better understand these enigmatic creatures. One scientist in particular, Becky
Cliffe, has collected extensive data over the past six years on sloth habits,
distribution, and behavior. Becky, along with her research partner, Sarah Kennedy, are incredibly gifted at their work and are learning volumes about sloths through their research. The results of this work, along with work done by
other scientists at the sanctuary, have valuable implications for sloth
conservation.
Millie |
Judy also shares her expertise with others who might
benefit from her help. For example, a number of years back, a newborn sloth at
the National Aquarium lost his mom when he was only a few days old. Who did
our team call? Judy, of course! She helped our team find the ideal milk
substitute and taught them proper care techniques for raising an orphaned
infant sloth. Because of Judy, the baby sloth not only survived, but also now
thrives as a healthy and well-adjusted adult.
Xeno, a Choloepus sloth at the National Aquarium |
• This place is so special
The sloths at the sanctuary are so lucky to have such a
wonderful group of people so concerned for their well-being and care. Many of
the sloths come to the sanctuary in serious condition and might have died an
agonizing death if it hadn't been for the actions of Judy and her team.
Instead, they get another chance at life. They are comforted, treated, loved,
and respected.
It is difficult to find the right words to adequately express just how incredible Judy is, and what a huge impact she has had and continues to have on the sloths in her care. Her sanctuary is such a special place. Her expertise is beyond compare, and her team so very dedicated to their good work.