Our Brave Senior Survivor
At The Sloth Institute, every rescue tells a story of hope and healing, and this month, we are honored to introduce Frank. Frank is not just any sloth – he holds the special distinction of being the first injured patient we received with our brand new rescue center permit in Manuel Antonio.
At an estimated age of at least 30 years old, Frank is an elder in the world of two-fingered sloths, and his journey to recovery is one that will take some time.
Frank’s story began in an unfortunately too common situation on the shores of Manuel Antonio, where local firefighters found him on electrical wires near the beach. Upon rescue, it was obvious that Frank had suffered a severe injury, as there was a noticeable hole in his head.
After careful evaluation by our expert veterinary team, we discovered the hole was infested with screw worm larvae. These parasitic larvae feed on dead and living tissue, worsening the injury and threatening Frank’s health. Our veterinary team sprang into action, carefully removing the larvae and thoroughly cleaning the wound, and dead tissue was cut away to prevent further infection. To support Frank’s healing, we applied a wound healing gel alongside fish skin grafts – an innovative treatment that helps fill wounds and promote tissue regeneration.
Given Frank’s senior age, his recovery process may be slower than a younger sloth’s, but his prognosis is hopeful, and we are dedicated to giving Frank the best care possible.
Celebrate 10 Years of Operation with Us with our Ten for Ten Celebration Fundraiser!
This year marks our 10-year anniversary of operating in Manuel Antonio in collaboration with Tulemar, and to celebrate, we’re launching Ten for Ten: A Celebration Fundraiser with a goal to raise $10,000. Your generous donation will directly support sloths like Frank, helping cover medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing conservation efforts.











