In Honor of Monster the Sloth
In 2016, our generous donors helped us build “Monster’s WiSH Lab” a refurbished container that serves as our main research and clinical hub. As not a lot is known about sloths, every time we rescue a sloth we have a chance to collect critical data that can help save future lives. Along with learning about the behavioral ecology of sloths, we also believe it is important to learn about what makes a healthy sloth. What factors affect their ability to survive and thrive in the wild? In addition, we collaborate with scientists at universities around the world to conduct biological studies to help uncover more sloth secrets.
Through our research, we have learned more about the diseases that often affect wild sloths and how to best diagnose and treat these illnesses. Our sloth health database includes data from hundreds of exams on both sloth species to help us learn more about normal parameters for a sloth’s weight, size, hair, skin, etc. All of this information helps us to better help keep sloths healthy and in the wild. In addition, we are able to use it to help other organizations that work to keep sloths healthy.
Read this article made possible by Monster’s WiSH Lab: “On the move: sloths and their epibionts as model mobile ecosystems”
Check out Merlin’s Transformation
Because of Monster’s WiSH Lab we were able to properly diagnose Merlin’s fungal infection and treat him successfully. When we first met Merlin he had a life threatening severe fungal infection that covered his entire body including his head. It took many months for him to heal, but now he is back in the wild thriving and living his best sloth life!
