Adopt a SlothAvailable for AdoptionSupport TSI
From a lonely cry in the forest to a second chance at life
In early February, deep within Marino Ballena National Park, a tiny voice echoed through the trees.
It was a baby sloth. Alone, vulnerable, and calling out for a mother who never came.
This month, we want you to meet someone very special. Meet Jason.
A Cry That Could Not Be Ignored
On February 1, 2026, people visiting the Uvita area noticed something unusual. A baby sloth was clinging to a low vine and crying for hours.
In the wild, baby sloths are usually quiet. When they cry, it means something is wrong. It is their way of calling for their mother.
But no mother came back for Jason. No adult sloth was seen nearby. The only animals in the area were a group of capuchin monkeys, which can be dangerous for a baby this small.
He needed help.
With the support of SINAC, Jason was safely rescued and brought to The Sloth Institute.
Jason was alone in the forest, which meant he was an orphan.
Baby sloths depend completely on their mothers. Without them, they cannot stay warm, find the right food, or stay safe. A baby sloth on its own has very little chance of survival. Bringing Jason into care gave him the chance he needed.
Healing, One Day at a Time
When Jason arrived, he needed medical attention. He had a fungal skin infection, which is something we often see in young or stressed sloths.
The good news is that he is improving.
His skin is healing slowly, and he is responding well to treatment. Recovery takes time, but he is moving in the right direction every day.
Jason has quickly become a favorite among the team. He is calm, gentle, and incredibly sweet. He also happens to be very cute, which does not hurt.
One of the best signs we look for in a young sloth is a strong appetite. Jason is a great eater, which tells us he is settling in and gaining strength.
Every small step like this matters.
Jason’s story is touching, but it is not rare. More and more sloths are being found alone due to habitat loss and increasing human activity. Even protected areas like Uvita are not free from these challenges.
Each month, we spotlight a special Sloth-of-the-Month, sharing their story, personality, and recovery journey so you can connect even more deeply with your impact. But the love doesn’t stop there, our adoption program features a wide variety of sloths, each with their own unique story and charm. Whether you choose our featured sloth or find one that speaks to you, your support helps give them the care and future they deserve.
Caring for sloths like Jason takes time, expertise, and resources.
When you support The Sloth Institute, you are helping provide rescue, medical care, rehabilitation, and eventually a return to the wild.
