Sloth Rescue Center
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2012
The Sloth Rescue Center, known locally as Aviarios del Caribe, is dedicated to the observation, study and well-being of Costa Rica's two sloth species: Hoffmann's two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloth. The wildlife refuge, which is currently the only sloth rescue center in the world, was founded in 1997, five years after the owners rescued their first three-toed sloth. Buttercup, as she is known today, is the most photographed sloth in the world.
Quick Facts
Location: 7 miles north of Cahuita
Altitude: Sea Level
Area: 136 acres
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Tel.: 2750-0775
Entrance Fee: $25.00
Photo Gallery
The sanctuary is a pioneer in sloth research and education, and its mission is to rescue sloths that have been orphaned or endangered due to habitat loss, electrocution by power lines, hunting, traffic injuries and human violence. Its staff has hand-reared more than 100 orphaned sloths, and many adults have been rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat. The rescue center also participates in community outreach programs, educating local youth on sloth appreciation and the importance of rainforest ecosystems.
The Sloth Rescue Center is a top attraction for visitors to the southern Caribbean towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Tours begin at the public section of the “slothpital” (sloth hospital), where injured or sick adult sloths reside during rehabilitation. A one-hour canoe trip is next on the itinerary, and on the leisurely ride through river canals, visitors often spot wild sloths and other fauna in the trees above. The sanctuary hosts more than 320 bird species, as well as white-faced and howler monkeys. Tours end at the sloth nursery, where baby sloths and Buttercup greet visitors with innocent faces. The Sloth Rescue Center largely depends on donations to meet the needs of its growing sloth population.
Facilities:
The sanctuary’s main facility is the educational learning center, where adult and juvenile sloths are housed. The grounds include a river canal system, which can be traversed in canoe, and two well-maintained jungle trails. There is also a gift shop and small boutique hotel. Entrance fee to the sanctuary is $25 for adults; $15 for kids ages 5-11; and children under four are free.
Getting There:
From Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, head north on the main road toward Limon. Drive over the Estrella River Bridge – the only two-lane overhead bridge – and follow signs to Aviarios del Caribe. The Sloth Sanctuary is located on the right-hand side of the road.
Nearby Destinations
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- Farms (1)
- Gardens (8)
- National Parks (27)
- Plantations (4)
- Reserves (22)
- Volcanoes (16)
- Wildlife Refuges (27)
Sloth Rescue Center Map
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