Costa Rica
In 2021, I embarked on a 10-day expedition to Costa Rica. This was my second visit to the stunning country and I was ready to immerse myself, once again, in its plethora of biodiversity. With camera in hand, I was surrounded by mesmerizing wildlife, breathtaking views, and wonderful people. I also found myself in the midst of a conservation success story with the main character being one of Costa Rica’s most iconic animals: the two-toed sloth. Enjoy this collection of photos from my experience along the central Pacific Coastal region of Costa Rica and dream of rugged rain forests, white-sand beaches, and the vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife.
Two-Toed Sloth
Well known for their slow movements, adorable faces, and overall endearing presence, the sloth is a sought after animal when visiting Costa Rica. While exploring Manuel Antonio National Park we stumbled upon one of these quirky creatures grooming itself in a tree. A few moments later, we noticed another face peaking out from under all that long fur - this sloth was a mother who was carrying a baby! As if this encounter could not be more exciting, we then realized that mum was wearing a radio collar.
This radio collar was installed by The Sloth Institute; a non-profit organization that “focuses on enhancing the welfare and conservation of sloths through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of hand-raised and injured sloths.” They track hand-raised orphaned sloths as they navigate their way back into the rainforest and also monitor wild sloths that have gone through their rehabilitation program.
This unassuming sloth sighting turned into an inspiring conservation story - learn more about The Sloth Institute and their work in helping enhance the welfare and conservation of sloths.
