We've got Answers
Answers to the most common questions about The Sloth Institute
VISITING & LOCATION
Are you open to the public?
No. Our rescue and research facilities are not open to the public. It is not in the best interest of rehabilitating sloths to be exposed to frequent human contact. Strange sounds, smells, and schedules are stressful for wild animals like sloths. If you would like to see wild sloths in an ethical setting, we recommend our Sloth Walk at Tulemar.
What is the Sloth Walk?
The TSI Sloth Walk is a guided nature walk through Tulemar Gardens led by one of our sloth experts. You will learn how to spot sloths in the wild, hear about the other wildlife found in Manuel Antonio, and get an inside look at TSI's history and work, plus tips for being a responsible sloth tourist. Because the walk takes place on private property, it is limited to guests staying at Tulemar.
Where are you located?
Our headquarters are inside Tulemar Gardens in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Can I volunteer or Intern?
We accept long-term internships only on a rolling admissions basis. Please visit our INTERNSHIP page to learn more about how to apply.
Can I visit and see the sloths you're rehabilitating?
No. Our rescue and rehabilitation areas stay closed to visitors so the sloths in our care can stay wild and stress-free, giving them the best chance at a successful release. This is also why we do not offer sloth holding, photo, or "sanctuary tour" experiences. If an organization offers you the chance to hold a sloth, that is a strong sign it is not operating ethically.
EMERGENCIES & RESCUE
What if I find an injured or orphaned sloth?
If you are in or near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, call our rescue hotline at +506 8775 6847 (87-SLOTHS) right away, and we will respond as quickly as possible. If you are elsewhere in Costa Rica or another country, contact your local wildlife rescue authority. We are also happy to advise you on next steps by phone or WhatsApp wherever you are.
What happens to a sloth after you rescue it?
Every sloth follows an individualized path through our Rescue, Rehab, and Release program: veterinary assessment, a recovery period, and skill-building in our pre-release enclosures, followed by release back into protected forest whenever a sloth is a good candidate. Sloths who cannot survive in the wild due to permanent injury may remain in lifelong care.
I saw someone keeping a sloth as a pet. What should I do?
Sloths are wild animals, and it is illegal to keep them as pets in Costa Rica. You can report suspected illegal wildlife possession to SINAC (Costa Rica's national wildlife authority) or reach out to us directly via our SLOTH EMERGENCY HOTLINE, and we can help point you to the right resource.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. TSI is fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. We are also a registered Costa Rican Foundation.
What is Adopt-A-Sloth and how is it different from a regular donation?
Adopt-A-Sloth is a symbolic adoption. You choose a rescued sloth to support, and your contribution goes directly toward their food, veterinary care, and rehabilitation. You will receive updates on their progress. It is a meaningful way to follow one sloth's story while funding the program as a whole. Visit our Adopt-A-Sloth page to choose a sloth.
Can I donate real items? What is the Sloth Wishlist?
Our Wishlist is a list of specific supplies our rescue center needs, from medical equipment to enrichment items. It is an easy way to give a tangible gift that goes straight to sloth care. Find it on our Amazon Wishlist page.
Where does my donation actually go?
Donations fund direct sloth care (veterinary treatment, specialized diets, rehabilitation), our field research, wildlife corridor projects like Sloth Speedways, and our education and advocacy work, including the fight for stronger sloth protection policy.
What is the Sloth Protection Alliance?
The Sloth Protection Alliance is a coalition formed by The Sloth Institute and the Sloth Conservation Foundation advocating for stronger U.S. federal policy on wild sloth imports and the commercial sloth trade. Learn more and add your voice on our Sloth Protection Alliance page.
How can I support the push for a USA federal sloth import ban?
You can sign the Change.org petition, contribute to our GoFundMe campaign, and share alliance updates with your network. Every signature and share helps demonstrate public support to lawmakers.
IMPORTANT SLOTH FACTS
Are sloths endangered?
Due to the high casuistry observed in rescue centers, where converging threats compound the risks to sloth survival, immediate intervention is critical. Our research and advocacy directly confront these pressures in Costa Rica and across their range.
Why shouldn't I take a photo holding a sloth on vacation?
Being handled by humans is highly stressful for sloths, and the demand for photo opportunities fuels the illegal wildlife trade, since sloths used this way are often taken illegally from the wild. Choosing ethical, hands-off wildlife tourism, like our Sloth Walk, protects sloths and discourages this practice.
