ConservationIn Memory SlothsReleased SlothsSloth Diaries
We measure our lives by the monumental moments that take place, good ones, bad ones, but always meaningful ones. Before I became a surrogate sloth mom I too cared about regular human milestones, getting my drivers license, graduating from college, back packing solo on an international adventure. But for the past three years, while the rest of my friends were getting married or having babies, I have been thinking about one milestone and one milestone only: Monster’s Release.
No other goal has similarly captured my imagination or determination like liberating Monster. Anyone who knows me knows that I was prepared to ruin myself financially, emotionally, physically and mentally JUST to make sure she was healthy, happy and free. I wouldn’t be able to argue with anyone who claimed I was obsessed with keeping Monster alive. If I wasn’t directly with her I would ask whoever was observing her: “How is Monster today? What is she eating? Has she pooped? Is she active? Where is she sleeping?” Everything had to be perfect for Monster, especially her release.
Monster arrived at the KSTR wildlife clinic when she was less than two weeks old in December of 2013, she was so young, just keeping her alive long enough to be released was a serious challenge. It’s a well known fact in the Zoo and Rescue community that three toed sloths do not survive well in captivity. And tiny, practically newborn babies have an even smaller margin of survival. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, all of the animals who enter a wildlife rescue program are already dying upon arrival. Reversing that path and rehabilitating them to their release is impossible for some and nearly impossible for the others. I wish I could accurately convey to all the people who see cute photos of baby sloths – and think what an easy fun job this must be – just how utterly devastating and difficult it truly is to care for, rehabilitate and release orphaned sloths. I wish I could meticulously describe how many times I have sobbed uncontrollably, gone days without eating and sacrificed the ability to relax and have fun with friends, because of all the babies who have touched my heart and warmed my soul.
However today I don’t need to talk about the deepest and darkest parts of my mind. Today I bring good news. Today we announce that Monster is FREE! We have been preparing for this moment her entire life. She has practiced everything from climbing, hiding, foraging, sunning, socializing, etc., and it shows. Two weeks ago, as soon as she realized the door to her cage was open, she left and she hasn’t wanted to come back!
We have her under 24/7 watch (literally) while wearing a VHF collar so that the TSI team can track her every move. So far she has been finding appropriate food sources, shelter, and has even started to meet new potential friends! She is basically a rock star at being a wild sloth, which is quite impressive considering she was raised by humans from a newborn age.
This journey with her has been full of ups and downs, fears and accomplishments. There were so many times I never thought we would make it to the finish line, and even once we did, what would be next? Would she even want to be in the wild? Would she survive? Obviously I can’t predict the future, and just like any day of life, the next one could be her last. But one thing I know for sure, she is finally happy. She loves being free and she is choosing to be free.
That’s really all that matters, Monster’s fate is now up to her. We will be here for support and to keep a watchful eye but now it is her turn to take the reigns and decide where she goes next. I couldn’t be happier or more proud. In setting Monster free, I feel as though I am now free.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
Thank you to both the KSTR and TSI villages for making Monster’s journey a successful one.
Now go be happy baby girl and make me a grandma one day too please. #monsterisfree #borntobewild #slothlove
By Sam Trull
What an inspiring story! I am SO glad to know that re-introduction is possible. I volunteered for several wks at a different sloth sanctuary in CR where staff said it was impossible to do releases of any sloths who were 1 yr or less on arrival. I did not believe this but was not in a position to argue with Mgmt. I did, however, advocate for large, outdoor, treed enclosures, if not for release training, at least for quality of life. I knew from my 3 yrs of experience with chimpanzees in an African sanctuary that if chimps could enjoy a part of the forest and be contained, so could sloths! I believe they have since created an outdoor area but am not sure. Thank you – and keep up your awesome work!