The Sloth Institute at Tulemar Saving Lives with Sloth Speedways
February 13, 2019
If you’ve ever been to Tulemar, or even just Manuel Antonio, you may remember seeing colorful ropes connecting the treetops. These ropes aren’t placed by mistake. They are “sloth speedways” that have been cleverly placed by The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica to help sloths (and other wildlife!) get safely from tree to tree.
You may wonder why these animals need these ropes to effortlessly migrate when the ropes were never a necessity before. Unfortunately, rapid deforestation has caused sloths to lose their ability to acquire food & safety easily, which has led them to depend on crossing busy roads or using electrical wires to get from point A to point B. These methods of migration have proven to be dangerous to sloths, and puts them at severe risk of injury or death.
The Sloth Institute – which has its research and release facility right inside Tulemar’s property – has dedicated themselves to building “sloth speedways” in areas that are high traffic for sloths and monkeys but have become nearly inaccessible. These speedways have helped the creatures continue their natural migration patterns, and has saved many lives!
If you’re interested in learning more about The Sloth Institute and how you can help in their efforts to saving sloths, visit their website here.
Pura Vida,
Tulemar