Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica | Limon

The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, located near Puerto Viejo in Limón Province on the Caribbean coast, is a unique wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to the conservation of sloths. Founded in 1997 by Joaquín and Lucy Mena, the sanctuary’s mission is to protect sloths and their habitats while providing education to the public about these fascinating creatures. The sanctuary has become one of Costa Rica's most well-known wildlife attractions, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about and experience sloths up close.

Overview

• Location: The sanctuary is located about 10 km (6 miles) northeast of Puerto Viejo, near the town of Cahuita. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport from the surrounding areas.
• Size: The sanctuary covers several hectares of lush Caribbean rainforest, providing a natural, protected environment for sloths and other wildlife.
• Climate: Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, where the sanctuary is located, has a tropical climate, with year-round temperatures averaging between 23°C (73°F) and 30°C (86°F). The area experiences a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.

Mission and Conservation Efforts

The Sloth Sanctuary focuses on the rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned, or sick sloths back into the wild. They also work to rescue sloths from human encroachment, habitat loss, and traffic accidents. The sanctuary is dedicated to educating the public about sloth conservation, including how to protect these animals and their habitats.

In addition to sloths, the sanctuary is home to other animals that are often victims of similar issues, such as monkeys, turtles, and birds. The sanctuary works in collaboration with other conservation organizations to help rehabilitate and protect Costa Rica’s wildlife.

Sloth Species at the Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to both two-toed and three-toed sloths, which are the two main types of sloths found in Costa Rica. The two-toed sloth (genus Choloepus) and the three-toed sloth (genus Bradypus) have distinct differences in their physical characteristics, behaviors, and diets. The sanctuary provides specialized care for each species, as their needs can vary.

• Two-toed Sloth: Known for their longer front limbs, two-toed sloths are typically more active than their three-toed cousins. They are also slightly larger and have a faster metabolism.
• Three-toed Sloth: These sloths are generally smaller and move more slowly, with their distinct three toes on each foot. They tend to be more sedentary and spend much of their time hanging from trees.

What to Expect at the Sloth Sanctuary

Guided Tours:

• The sanctuary offers guided tours in both English and Spanish, where visitors can learn about the biology, behavior, and conservation efforts related to sloths.
• Tour guides provide fascinating insights into the sloth’s lifestyle, explaining how they move, feed, and sleep. Visitors will also learn about the rescue and rehabilitation process for sloths that have been injured or orphaned.
• The guides often give visitors the chance to meet some of the sanctuary’s sloths up close and observe their unique behaviors.

Meet the Sloths:

• The sanctuary allows visitors to interact with the sloths in a safe and respectful manner. Some of the sloths are permanent residents of the sanctuary, as they may not be able to survive in the wild due to injuries or health issues.
• Visitors can see sloths hanging in trees, eating their favorite foods (such as leaves, fruit, and flowers), and even occasionally witness them moving at their characteristic slow pace.

The Sloth Cafe:

• The sanctuary also has a Sloth Cafe where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while learning more about sloths and other local wildlife. The cafe offers a relaxed environment, with educational materials and information about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.

Sloth Adoption Program:

• The Sloth Sanctuary runs a sloth adoption program where visitors can “adopt” a sloth for a year. Adopting a sloth helps provide the necessary funds for the sanctuary to care for its residents and support its rehabilitation efforts. Adoptees receive updates and pictures of their adopted sloth, as well as a certificate of adoption.

Conservation and Education

In addition to its rehabilitation efforts, the Sloth Sanctuary plays a key role in sloth education and conservation awareness. The sanctuary provides valuable information on habitat preservation, human impact on wildlife, and the importance of protecting tropical forests, which are essential for the survival of sloths and many other species.

The sanctuary also conducts educational programs for local schools, environmental groups, and the broader public. Visitors can learn about sloth anatomy, their ecological role, and the challenges they face in the wild, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal pet trade.

Other Wildlife at the Sanctuary

Though the focus of the sanctuary is on sloths, visitors may also encounter a variety of other animals that have been rescued or are being rehabilitated. Some of these include:

• Monkeys: Both howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys are commonly seen in the area. These monkeys often end up at the sanctuary due to injuries or accidents related to human activities.
• Turtles: The sanctuary sometimes rescues green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles that have been injured or affected by pollution.
• Birds: A variety of tropical birds such as toucanets and parrots can also be found in the sanctuary, as these species often fall victim to illegal wildlife trade.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation:

• The sanctuary is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is recommended to check in advance for any changes to operating hours, especially during the rainy season when some tours may be affected.

Entrance Fees:

• Entrance fees for the guided tours are around $20 USD per adult, with discounts for children, students, and groups. The cost of a tour includes a visit to the sloth sanctuary and an opportunity to see the sloths up close.

Location:

• The sanctuary is located near Cahuita, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Puerto Viejo. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.

Best Time to Visit:

• The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit, with sunny weather ideal for tours and outdoor activities.
• The rainy season (May to November) can bring some rain, but the sanctuary is still open, and the lush environment is even more vibrant during this time.

Conclusion

The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica offers a unique and educational experience for wildlife lovers and those interested in learning more about one of the world’s most beloved animals. With its focus on the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sloths, the sanctuary plays an important role in the protection of these iconic creatures. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, meet the sloths up close, and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them and their habitats. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and looking to have a hands-on experience with nature.