Why I Won’t Hold a Sloth in Costa Rica… Or Anywhere

Deep down doesn’t everyone want to hold a sloth? I know that I do! Those cute cuddly-looking animals, with their sweet smiling faces are just about irresistible. That said, when I’m in Costa Rica next month, I will be resisting. In the past, I have made a lot of mistakes when it comes to ethical animal tourism, and I’ve decided that I’m going to learn from these mistakes and I won’t hold a sloth in Costa Rica.

WHY IT’S ETHICALLY QUESTIONABLE TO HOLD A SLOTH IN COSTA RICA

One of the things that many people have on their Costa Rica Wanderlists is to have some sort of sloth experience, which often means, holding a sloth for a sloth-selfie. Before I decided on whether or not to hold a sloth in Costa Rica, I decided to do some research, and this is what I found.

⋙ IT’S MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY UNHEALTHY FOR A SLOTH TO HOLD THEM – According to World Animal Protection that “sloth-selfie” is harmful to these sloths. They did research on sloths in their natural state with sloths being handled by tourists. What they found was that these sloths went into a more alert in a way that eluded to them being fearful. In addition to that, they also lost sleep. This caused mental stress and exhaustion. These are reactions that could cause a shortened life for these sloths.
⋙ MANY SLOTHS ARE TAKEN FROM THE WILD JUST FOR YOUR SELFIE – I’ve read that people will be standing on the side of the road with an opportunity to stop and take a selfie with a cute little sloth. These sloths are often knocked from trees solely to make some money. Then, they’re discarded on the side of the road.

⋙ EVEN THE SLOTH SANCTUARY HAS STOPPED ALLOWING PEOPLE TO HOLD/TOUCH THEIR SLOTHS – In the past, Sloth Sanctuary Costa Rica allowed their volunteers and even visitors to hold or handle their sloths. However, 5 years ago, they changed their rules after research showed sloths had an increase in heart rate when strangers handled them.

I’m not a vet, a biologist or a sloth-specialist. However, I am an animal-lover and it’s important to me to continue to try to be informed and make decisions for the good of the animals that I encounter. I truly believe that people interact with animals because they love them, not because they wish to cause harm. However, I’ve found more and more that these things I’ve done to have once-in-a-lifetime interactions with animals that I loved are likely only a positive experience for me, not the animal.

HOW CAN I ETHICALLY SEE SLOTHS?

⋙ KEEP AN EYE OUT ANYTIME YOU’RE IN THE RAINFORESTS – Sloths are some of the most common mammals in all of Costa Rica. Basically, I keep hearing/reading, where there are forests, there are sloths. Keep an ear out for rustling leaves and look up a lot and you can *hopefully* spot some.
⋙ TAKE A SLOTH-SEEING TOUR – There are many sloth tours (like this one) that will take you out into the wild and have a guide equipped with binoculars and loads of knowledge to show you these cuties in their natural environment, along with other wildlife.

⋙ VISIT A REPUTABLE SANCTUARY – From everything I’ve read, The Toucan Rescue Ranch gets rave reviews for their ethical handling of sloths, and other wildlife, as well as their work in partnership with the Sloth Institute. You can visit the TTRR and have an experience without the ability to hold a sloth. It’s much more ethical and you still get to see them up close and personal.
⋙ VOLUNTEER WITH THE SLOTH INSTITUTE– Do you have 1-3 months to volunteer for a sloth rehab center? While you still won’t be handling sloths, you’ll be helping with research that will help keep sloths both wild and prolific in Costa Rica. The Sloth Institute takes in orphaned sloths and teaches them how to return to the wild. They give updates on their orphans and document their releases as well!

Looking for another great volunteer experience? Check out Maximo Nivel for additional volunteer programs in Costa Rica to help enhance your adventure or even build a trip around it!

NOW THAT WE’VE HAD SERIOUS-SLOTH CHATS, HOW ABOUT SOME SLOTH FUN FACTS?

I know, I know, all that serious talk can be less than fun, but I do think it’s important to stay as educated as possible. So, to liven up the mood and maybe make you fall even more in love with sloths.

» Sloths are related to, wait for it, armadillos and anteaters! Who would’ve guessed it?
» Sloths only defecate once a week because of their slow digestive system. In addition to that, they only “go” in one location. They climb down to the same spot on the ground each time.
» 50% of sloth deaths occur while they climb down to dig their hole and poo.
» Sloths can live an average of 20-30 years old.
» Sloths are fantastic swimmers!
» Sloths spend up to 90% of their lives upside down. They even give birth upside down.
» In the wild, sloths sleep 10 hours a day.
» Their fur is green because algae grows into their fur and makes for a perfect camouflage against predators.
» There are six species of sloths.
» Sloth’s grips are so strong that dead sloths have been found still hanging upside down by their claws.

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a reservation with GetYourGuide.com, purchase an insurance policy with WorldNomads.com or a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!