If you haven’t noticed, we are fans of sloths. Our mascot on our logo is a sloth – his name is OSHO – and we recently had the privilege of giving the name to the first rescued sloth at Safarick’s Zoologico in Maria Chiquita, Colon, its name is Hagrid. Unlike the half-giant wizard from the famous Harry Potter series that he is named after, our Hagrid lives a much more peaceful and slow life…but there is still magic happening here.
Hagrid the Sloth at Safaricks Zoologico
Probably the most well-known and simple fact about sloths is that they are slow. The seem to be at complete peace with the world as other animals swing through trees, run around the forest floor and swoop in from the skies. With their various shades of grey, brown and even green fur, they can be difficult to see in the forest, especially when they move so slow. But one thing that is not so commonly understand is that this apparently simple animal is actually a host to a thriving and bustling eco-system with various species that all live on its body. A recent article in the New York times about the Sloth’s Busy Inner Life explains that this ecosystem “consists of a) the sloth, b) a species of moth that lives nowhere but in the sloth’s fleece and c) a dedicated species of algae that grows in special channels in the sloth’s grooved hairs.”
The Sloth’s Busy Inner Life / New York Times
We have become more and more fascinated by these surprisingly complex creatures as we learn more about them and we will probably never stop having interesting information and photos to share for our ongoing Sloth Series so if you like sloths also, stay tuned!
Joshua Haarbrink
Pingback
Hola Josh !
Have you HELD a sloth yet?
I recently had the opportunity again…at “Raquel’s Ark” in Volcán, Chiriquí, Panamá.
Check out her place…she’s got a margay too ! (I have photos if you’re interested.)
K
Actually, YES! We rescued a baby sloth who’s mother had died and we brought it to the Rescue and Rehabilitation Program at Safaricks Zoo in Colon. We would love to visit Raquel’s Ark, do you have contact information for them?