The sloth – relaxed and lazy life

by Inga May
The top speed of a sloth is 0.24 km per hours (0.15 mph) which is even less than the general speed of a snake and about a 1/20 of that of a walking human being. There a two main species of sloths existing: the three-toed sloth and the two-toed sloth. Although they are both described by the taxonomic suborder  Folivora, meaning leaf-eater, the two species are not particularly closely related and can be mainly distinguished by the number of claws on each limb. Furthermore, unlike the two-toed sloths, the three-toed sloths also have a little tail (6–7 cm / 2-3 in) and slightly smaller in size (about 50 cm compared to 75 cm). Both types only live in South and Central America where they occupy tropical forests.

Although sloths are quite popular for the general public, only very little is known about their biology, their reproduction and their nutritional necessities. Due to the fact that it is very challenging to keep the animals in zoos or parks, the research moves forward very slowly.
Several years ago a sloth sanctuary was established on the East coast of Costa Rica. The mission there is to protect and rehabilitate sloths in Costa Rica through the observation, study, care and analysis of animals in recovery.

It all started in 1992 with an orphaned three-toed sloth named ‘buttercup’ who is now the mascot of the organization. Buttercup was given to the owner of the sanctuary who successfully raised the animal. Not long after, a second sloth was turned in and they are now known as authorities on sloth rescue and rearing.
In 2009 I had the unique opportunity to work at this sanctuary for some weeks, which gave me the great opportunity to learn more about these funny animals, their character, but also the threats and the daily problems they are confronted with. One of the biggest threats to the animals is the power lines that nowadays run throughout their territories.

During my stay at the sanctuary, two sloths were admitted due to heavy burns caused by power lines. Other sloths were hospitalized because there were hit by cars or because they were orphaned. This showed me in a very powerful way how much modern infrastructure  impacts the rainforests. This is not only affecting the life of the sloths but every other species whose home is destroyed by arbitrarily built streets and buildings. The example of the sloths showed me again how important it is to always think twice when we start to break into the wilderness and nature.