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Sloth-of-the-MonthMeet Dr. George O’Malley
Paging Dr. George O’Malley: A Baby Sloth’s Second Chance
In December 2025, a tragedy unfolded in the small community of Villa Lirio.
A mother sloth was electrocuted on a power line. The shock killed her instantly.
Witnesses nearby saw the moment it happened and something else: a tiny baby sloth being violently thrown from his mother’s body by the electrical surge.
That baby was only about two weeks old. Good Samaritans quickly stepped in and brought the injured orphan to The Sloth Institute, giving him a chance he otherwise would not have had.
Today, we know him as Dr. George O’Malley.
A DANGEROUS START TO LIFE
When George arrived at our clinic, it was clear he had been through a traumatic event.
He had burns on his face, and our team was concerned about possible damage to his airways from smoke inhalation during the electrocution. His breathing sounded abnormal, and he showed signs of lung irritation.
Our veterinary team immediately began treatment.
George received a course of antibiotics and nebulization therapy to help his lungs recover and prevent infection. For a baby sloth this young, fragile, dehydrated, and newly orphaned, every hour of care matters.
THOSE FIRST WEEKS WERE NOT EASY.
Because of his injuries, George was slow to grow at first, and the team monitored him closely while supporting him through every stage of recovery.
Despite his difficult start, George began to show signs of progress.
Slowly but surely, he started gaining weight. His breathing improved. His strength returned. Today, George is thriving in our nursery and working his way through what we affectionately call “sloth school.”
Sloth school is where orphaned babies learn the essential skills they will need to survive in the wild, such as climbing, exploring, feeding independently, and building the strength required for life in the forest.
George is currently the only three-fingered baby sloth in our care, but that doesn’t stop him from socializing during climbing sessions with some of the two-fingered babies of similar size.
And like many healthy young sloths, George has developed a few clear personality traits:
- He’s a great eater
- He loves to climb and explore
- He’s getting stronger every week
All good signs for a sloth on the long path back to the wild.
THE GROWING THREAT TO SLOTHS
Electrocutions from power lines are one of the leading causes of injury and death for sloths in Costa Rica. As development expands into forested areas, sloths often use power lines as pathways between trees. Without proper wildlife-safe infrastructure, these crossings can become deadly.
Every year, we see sloths that have been injured or killed by:
- Power line electrocutions
- Dog attacks
- Vehicle strikes
- Habitat loss
Baby sloths like George are often the unseen victims, left orphaned when their mothers are killed.
GIVING SLOTHS A SECOND CHANCE
Rescuing and raising an orphaned sloth is a long and delicate process.
It takes years of specialized care to give these animals the skills they need to survive independently in the wild. From around-the-clock feeding to medical treatment, habitat training, and gradual release preparation, every step requires time, expertise, and resources.
But when it works, the reward is incredible.
A baby that once had no chance can return to the forest where they belong.
George is still early in his journey, but he’s already proven himself to be a fighter.
HELP SLOTHS LIKE GEORGE
Rescuing and raising an orphaned sloth is a long and delicate process.
It takes years of specialized care to give these animals the skills they need to survive independently in the wild. From around-the-clock feeding to medical treatment, habitat training, and gradual release preparation, every step requires time, expertise, and resources.
But when it works, the reward is incredible.
A baby that once had no chance can return to the forest where they belong.
George is still early in his journey, but he’s already proven himself to be a fighter.
