The Sloth Institute Partner with Tulemar Resort to Release Sloth Duo in Rainforest
Location provides ideal environment for monitoring and tracking hand raised orphaned sloths.
MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA , JULY 29, 2015
Featured in BBC’s “Nature’s Miracle Orphans”, Kids Saving the Rainforest and The Sloth Institute Costa Rica announce plans to re-introduce the famous two-toed sloth duo, orphaned and hand raised by Sam Trull (known as the Mother of Sloths) and co-founder of The Sloth Institute (TSI), back into the rainforest in the maritime zone adjoining Tulemar Resort in Manuel Antonio.
“Tulemar and the maritime zone offer the perfect environment to introduce Ellen and Kermie back to their rainforest roots, where they belong. The resort which is comprised of Tulemar Vacation Home Rental/Sales and Buena Vista Luxury Rentals, sits in a large parcel of jungle including the adjacent maritime zone, containing an abundant source of excellent food choices, a significant wild sloth population, the absence of dangerous electrical wires, a strict “no dogs and cats” policy and with Tulemar’s commitment to dedicate this land for the preservation of the sloths, choosing Tulemar for this endeavor was a no-brainer”, said Seda Sejud, co-founder and Chief Sloth Volunteer of The Sloth Institute. “We are so pleased to be a part of this exciting release project and with the approval of MINAE, (the governmental agency responsible for the maritime zone and wildlife) and the co-operation of AVAT (an organization of Tulemar residents and neighbors dedicated to preserving the maritime zone) to use the maritime property in a way that helps contribute to the conservation of the sloth population in Costa Rica”, said Dave Houck, board member and resident of Tulemar.
The sloth duo, which were recently fitted with custom VHF collars, will begin their re-entry project in a specially designed 6 by 6 by 6 meter tall non-permanent soft release cage being built to encompass a variety of their favorite edible trees and vines so that they can gradually acclimate to their new environment before the cage doors are opened. The cage will be built in a secluded section of the maritime zone where humans are not allowed.
Once released, TSI’s volunteer research staff, housed close by, will be tracking the duo 24/7 over the course of a year to study their progress while simultaneously tracking and studying the wild sloths in Tulemar for comparison. Additionally, Tulemar is working with MINAE for approval to build a research station in the same area for TSI and its future programs.
