Sloth - Threetoed - Costa Ballena - Photo by Mathylde Pérez

In Costa Rica, we have two species of Sloth.  One is the two-toed, which can be observed by the beach and the other ones is the three-toed, which lives in mountainous areas.

Choloepus Hoffmanni, the two-toed, is a large, cream-color, with a snout like a pig, and two claws.  The average weight is 4.5 to 9.5 kg; the gestation period is 11 months and one week.  The female only breeds one baby at a time.

Bradypus Variegatus, it has three claws, a small round face, and dark stripes in the eyes.  This specie is gray and smaller and has a tail.  Its weight goes from 2.3 to 5.5 kg.  

This beautiful mammal who lives in the forest of Costa Rica only eats leaves.  Their stomachs are big and slow.  They have a special kind of bacteria in their intestines to help the digestion of food.

Sloths face many dangers, not only from predators; many times, they die electrocuted, or run over by vehicles.

Micha is one of the four rescued baby sloths.  He is now six months old, when he was only two, he was found by the owners of the Suiza Hostel in Matapalo; he had a small infection in his eyes.  Currently, he is in perfect condition, and he is undergoing a rigorous training of survival in the wild.

It is very important not to pursue them as pets.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE YOU FIND A SLOTH

1) DO NOT feed him; he could die from a stomach infection.

2) Immediately, place him over a stuffed teddy bear, which will keep him warm.

Micha represents my fourth time reintroducing a sloth into its natural habitat.  The first time was five years ago; he was found in Roca Verde, and currently he is living in the forest.  Reintroduction can be successful if done with strict training.  The purpose of this story is to demonstrate that we can reintroduce them without having to keep them in captivity for the rest of their lives.