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Meet Shrek: A Sloth Who Refused to Give Up
On the morning of September 11, 2025, a concerned local in Quepos, Puntarenas, spotted a sloth lying motionless on the ground. At first glance, it looked like there was no hope. His body was still, lifeless, until one arm stirred ever so slightly. That tiny movement meant everything. He was still holding on.
The sloth, now named Shrek, was rushed to The Sloth Institute for emergency care.
Shrek’s Rescue Story
We suspect that Shrek suffered a serious fall from a tree, leaving him with neurological symptoms that made it difficult for him to open and close his hands. His bloodwork also revealed an infection, and he was in shock when he arrived, dehydrated, dangerously cold, and soaking wet.
In those first hours, his survival was uncertain. But sloths are fighters, and Shrek was no exception.
A Remarkable Recovery
With round-the-clock care, fluids, warmth, and antibiotics, Shrek began to slowly stabilize. Our veterinary team started him on a daily routine of physiotherapy to help strengthen his grip and movement.
And then, against all odds, Shrek began to climb again.
Every small victory has been a celebration: the first time he grasped a branch, the first time he pulled himself upward, and the steady return of his natural instincts.
Shrek’s Rescue What Makes Shrek Special
Shrek isn’t just a survivor; he’s a testament to resilience. His worn-down nails and the algae growing in his fur suggest that he is an older sloth, one who has weathered many seasons in the rainforest. Despite his age, his determination shines through.
He has developed a particular love for cecropia leaves, often munching happily after his therapy sessions, as if rewarding himself for another hard-fought day of recovery.
Want to Help Sloths Like Shrek?
You can be part of Shrek’s story and the future stories of countless others. Join us during #SlothtoberFest 2025, a month-long celebration of sloths and conservation with live events, art classes, trivia, and more. Together, we’re working toward our $10,000 fundraising goal (with a $20,000 match!) to continue saving lives like Shrek’s.
thank you for posting about these wonderful animals. I haven’t been obsessed about them for over 30 years. I finally got to see some in person this summer and they are amazingly adorable resilient and quite interesting. When I was younger, I thought I would love to have a sloth for a pet, which of course was a stupid thought and selfish on my part. When I told Friends that I had been obsessed with an animal that only climbs down a tree once a week to defecate and it takes a whole week to get back up and a harbor all sorts of insects and bugs in their fur well all my friends thought I was crazy. I’m not they are amazing animals. Thank you for what you’re doing for them.
thank you for posting about these wonderful animals. I have been obsessed about them for over 30 years. I finally got to see some in person this summer and they are amazingly adorable resilient and quite interesting. When I was younger, I thought I would love to have a sloth for a pet, which of course was a stupid thought and selfish on my part. When I told friends that I had been obsessed with an animal that only climbs down a tree once a week to defecate and it takes a whole week to get back up and they harbor all sorts of insects and bugs in their fur well all my friends thought I was crazy. I’m not crazy,they are amazing animals. Thank you for what you’re doing for them.