Getting a second chance at life in the Rainforest . . . as it should be

By KSTR 

So much has happened since we published the news about our sloth needs in the June issue! And we are thrilled to announce this news with our community. As we all know, thanks to Sele and Sloth Kong leading the way, these adorable creatures, with their bed-head hairstyles, smiley faces, and just plain cuteness have taken the world by storm. Sloth videos, paraphernalia, and sanctuaries abound, yet what is not as known, is that right here, deep in our rainforest, a team of individuals have been working 24/7 to do something that has rarely been done in Costa Rica . . . giving orphaned sloths a second chance to go home…to live the life that they were meant to live…to be free to climb and eat and explore the rainforest…that is the dream of Kids Saving the Rainforest. By starting the new offshoot organization, The Sloth Institute Costa Rica, www.theslothinstitutecostarica.org, they are helping make this come true.

The new organization, has a four part mission:

1. Rescue and Release of Sloths including meeting all husbandry needs and funding all equipment/enclosure needs
2.  Research of Re-introduced Sloths (GPS collar program), captive rescued sloths and of wild sloths in the Manuel Antonio area
3.  Collaboration with other organizations around the world that work with sloths
4.  Education—promoting responsible and balanced information about sloths to the public.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the discovery of the successful raising and reentry of baby orphaned sloths and other animals,” said Jennifer Rice, PHD, President of Kids Saving the Rainforest. “Our organization’s commitment to helping with the feeding, care and rehabilitation of these baby sloths has been key to their eventual successful reentry to their natural habitat.“ “We are so excited to be able to share what we’ve learned so far about raising orphans with other rescue organizations around the world so that we can all work together to successfully release these orphans back into their environs where they belong,” said Sam Trull, Kids Saving the Rainforestintroduces offshoot organizationThe Sloth Institute of Costa Rica focusing global attention on raising and releasing orphaned sloths into the Rainforest Wildlife Manager at KSTR.org and Founder/Director, The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica.

Thanks to the donations that have been coming in we have been able to make huge progress on the “Boot Camp” enclosure much needed for the 3rd step of the 4 part program for the sloths release. Our “Los Tres Amigos”, Pelota, Kermie and Ellen, are on their way to moving into their new environs as soon as it is completed this month. As many of you know, we have been receiving quite a few injured and abandoned sloths at the sanctuary. Some have overcome their injuries, electrocutions, being stricken by a car and others, sadly have not. In addition to raising the abandoned baby sloths that are brought to the center for their eventual release, The Sloth Institute intends to continue studying the causes and effects of these injuries to help provide better treatment with better outcomes in the future.