Costa Rica Sloth Rescue

The Sloth Rescue Centre was created in 1972 by animal lovers Judy and Luis Arroyo to protect an area of approximately 120 acres. This provides food and sanctuary to many migrating birds in addition to providing a home for a variety of small and large mammals, reptiles, butterflies and resident birds typical of the lowland tropical rain forest. In 1996 the land was included in the Regiment of National Parks and Privately Owned Protected Areas.

In 1992, three neighbouring girls found an orphaned baby sloth whose mother was killed by a car and brought her to the sanctuary hoping that Judy and Luis Arroyo could help her. They took the sloth in, named her Buttercup, and as word spread out about the successful rescue, people started to bring them more sloths to care for.

Over the years, the centre has rescued many sloths and other wildlife that have had bad experiences with the human world. In 1997 the Sloth Sanctuary was recognized by the Costa Rican government as a refuge for the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths.

A dedicated staff of 14 full-time employees care for the animals. Volunteers are needed to help provide the sloths with the loving care they require in order to survive. Dozens of adult sloths that have been cared for at the center have been rehabilitated and returned to the forest canopy. However, many sloths at the centre are there for life, because they were to badly injured to be returned to the wild or they were orphaned too early in life to know how to survive on their own.

This rescue centre is financed by receiving tours and operating a bed and breakfast and a gift shop in the premises. Volunteers also play a very important role helping to maintain jungle trails, guiding tours, and helping with cage cleaning and maintenance, preparation of meals and caring for injured individuals, and assisting veterinarians and other specialists who care for the sloths in the sanctuary.

Programme Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the project.

In addition, you are also able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.

Orientation
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting. This will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. In this first meeting, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish. In the afternoon there will be time for a salsa class and a chance to use the facilities at the project office.

Programme Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participants’ health

Programme Requirement
To participate in this project, it is better that volunteers have a basic knowledge of Spanish. Project coordinators at the school do speak English and some staff members at the rescue centre also speak English.

Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited on the programme and no chemicals (perfumes, sun cream etc) should be used while on the project as this harms the sloths.