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Sam Trull, co founder of the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, has been helping sloths return to the wild since 2013. The Institute has three main goals: 1. RESEARCH of captive and wild sloths; 2. COLLABORATION with other institutions that work with sloths around the world; and 3. EDUCATION to generate and disseminate responsible and balanced information about sloths to the public. Trull is also the author of Slothlove, a book about her beloved sloths.
“I think one of my favorite things about sloths is that they mind their own business,” Trill told the Manhattan Book Review. “I realize that the ‘circle of life’ requires all kinds of species of animals, including mischievous monkeys and carnivorous cats, and no offense to those animals that need to eat other animals to survive. But how can I not be drawn to species that just want to eat their leaves, relax in the sunshine and the breeze and have a good scratch?! In addition, they have a very curious and playful side, something most people have never and will never see, but it is definitely the most endearing thing I have ever seen.”
More info: Amazon.com | theslothinstitutecostarica.org (h/t: upworthy, manhattanbookreview)
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Human encroachment is a huge threat to sloth populations
That’s why Sam Trull started The Sloth Institute Costa Rica
This is Kermie, the sloth that Trull rescued and which inspired her to start the Institute
A special “soft” release technique is used at the Institute
It allows sloths to take their time getting acclimated to the jungle before they go off on their own
“I co-founded The Sloth Institute because I wanted to spend all of my energy and time getting my hand-raised babies back into the jungle”
“Sloths need trees to survive and not just any trees, but the right trees and enough trees”
“They need a connected and healthy forest”
“Those industries steal sloths from the wild for tourists to touch and the sloths die from stress”
“For a sloth living near humans just trimming a tree can lead to death, let alone actually cutting an entire tree down”
“In addition, humans come with electric wires, cars, dogs…”
“…all things that affect every wildlife species, but especially sloths that do not have the ability to jump away from danger or run quickly across the road”
“People can help by being responsible tourists”
“When visiting a country with sloths, never pay to take a picture with one, hold one or pet one”
“How can *you* not be drawn to species that just want to eat their leaves, relax in the sunshine and the breeze and have a good scratch?!”
“In addition, they have a very curious and playful side, something most people have never and will never see”
What do you think ?
Holly Woods 8 years ago
I love sloths. They are so darn cute. But I'm pretty sure that last one is giving me a raspberry and the finger. Just sayin'!
Erin Awujhendfjaaq 8 years ago
I think it's trying to pick a fight. lol (lol Sorry, I just had to.)
Load More Replies...
Pastel Unicorn 8 years ago
Those baby sloths are literally the cutest animals I have ever seen! I also think that this foundation is a great idea!
Arty 8 years ago
“When visiting a country with sloths, never pay to take a picture with one, hold one or pet one” And please apply this recommendation to almost any animal everywhere you go! From monkey to dolphin, to tigers,... As cute any baby animals are, they aren't toys. Enjoy the pictures but don't try to see them anywhere else than in the wild (if you are lucky...and discreet)!
Susan L. Miller 8 years ago
I learned a lot by reading this post. Am dropping my dream of ever petting a live sloth so I don't contribute to it's stress. They are amazing animals and I am grateful that people are working to preserve them in their native habitat.
JoAnne Klein 8 years ago
Kudos to this gal for founding this foundation. There are so many critters threatened by "man" it's wonderful to hear of a new rescue/sanctuary/rehab for another of our endangered species. Yes, they are absolutely adorable, very slow movers, and very quickly stressed out. So save the ones we can, leave the ones in their habitat alone, and our children and grandchildren will continue to see videos and pictures of a wonderful creature courtesy of considerate wildlife conservators and photographers.
Heidi Viimaranta 8 years ago
This amazing woman and her cute little protégés also appeared in nature's miracle orphans - series 1 by BBC. She really does give all her time and energy to these little guys. So much love and respect for the amazing work she is doing! I really recommend watching the series if you want to have a closer look at her work :)
Selma Tischer 8 years ago
Thank you for the foundation, and especially for the good advice you give tourists!
Rose Hogue 8 years ago
There have been shows on Animal Planet at another sloth rescue place, it's a lot of work to keep a baby sloth alive. Bottle feeding baby animals is a real sleep depriving thing, they need to be fed every two hours. It's definitely a labor of love!
Jean-Pierre Mulumba Mfuamba 8 years ago
many people in the world are starving, yet a cat can celebrate her birthday. who is important a human like you or a cat?
Judy Downey 8 years ago
Love the Sloths from looking at pictures, videos...but, leave them alone to survive and, stop cutting down the trees, humanoids...just learn to live with it.
Lyone Fein 8 years ago
There is so much about this world that humans do not understand. And one of the biggest things we don't understand is that we need to leave other creatures and their habitats alone and in peace.
KateandAllison HW 8 years ago
OMG They are gorgeous! My OH is always saying they think I'm related to the sloth as I do love to sleep and laze around! lol
Holly Woods 8 years ago
I love sloths. They are so darn cute. But I'm pretty sure that last one is giving me a raspberry and the finger. Just sayin'!
Erin Awujhendfjaaq 8 years ago
I think it's trying to pick a fight. lol (lol Sorry, I just had to.)
Load More Replies... Pastel Unicorn 8 years ago
Those baby sloths are literally the cutest animals I have ever seen! I also think that this foundation is a great idea!
Arty 8 years ago
“When visiting a country with sloths, never pay to take a picture with one, hold one or pet one” And please apply this recommendation to almost any animal everywhere you go! From monkey to dolphin, to tigers,... As cute any baby animals are, they aren't toys. Enjoy the pictures but don't try to see them anywhere else than in the wild (if you are lucky...and discreet)!
Susan L. Miller 8 years ago
I learned a lot by reading this post. Am dropping my dream of ever petting a live sloth so I don't contribute to it's stress. They are amazing animals and I am grateful that people are working to preserve them in their native habitat.
JoAnne Klein 8 years ago
Kudos to this gal for founding this foundation. There are so many critters threatened by "man" it's wonderful to hear of a new rescue/sanctuary/rehab for another of our endangered species. Yes, they are absolutely adorable, very slow movers, and very quickly stressed out. So save the ones we can, leave the ones in their habitat alone, and our children and grandchildren will continue to see videos and pictures of a wonderful creature courtesy of considerate wildlife conservators and photographers.
Heidi Viimaranta 8 years ago
This amazing woman and her cute little protégés also appeared in nature's miracle orphans - series 1 by BBC. She really does give all her time and energy to these little guys. So much love and respect for the amazing work she is doing! I really recommend watching the series if you want to have a closer look at her work :)
Selma Tischer 8 years ago
Thank you for the foundation, and especially for the good advice you give tourists!
Rose Hogue 8 years ago
There have been shows on Animal Planet at another sloth rescue place, it's a lot of work to keep a baby sloth alive. Bottle feeding baby animals is a real sleep depriving thing, they need to be fed every two hours. It's definitely a labor of love!
Jean-Pierre Mulumba Mfuamba 8 years ago
many people in the world are starving, yet a cat can celebrate her birthday. who is important a human like you or a cat?
Judy Downey 8 years ago
Love the Sloths from looking at pictures, videos...but, leave them alone to survive and, stop cutting down the trees, humanoids...just learn to live with it.
Lyone Fein 8 years ago
There is so much about this world that humans do not understand. And one of the biggest things we don't understand is that we need to leave other creatures and their habitats alone and in peace.
KateandAllison HW 8 years ago
OMG They are gorgeous! My OH is always saying they think I'm related to the sloth as I do love to sleep and laze around! lol
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