Sloth Magic

Over the years the sloths have touched many lives, some in magical ways. Here is one such story.

Sayaka Yoshioka of Japan is a survivor of a horrific crime. At the age of 22, she was kidnapped, abused, and tortured for a month. When she was rescued by police, she describes herself as “...mentally and spiritually broken.” The extreme trauma of the experience left her unable to function in her former life. She was hospitalized several times for mental health treatment. Distraught, Sayaka was at the point of giving up on her life to end the pain. On the night of this crisis, she had a dream. Although she had never seen a sloth and knew nothing about them, she dreamt about a sloth family. In her dream, they said, “We are always with you, go find your way slowly.” This message gave Sayaka hope and she did not end her life. She began a search for information on sloths, her “saviors”, and found a photo of Buttercup on our website. She knew that she must travel to Costa Rica to meet Buttercup. Six years later her dream came true. She came to Aviarios and, when she held Buttercup in her arms, the tears rolled  down her cheeks, bringing healing and hope. In Sayaka’s own words, “I think they have a power to heal pain, give a hope to people. They know something we forgot in this modern technical society. When I hold them, I know they are such a precious existence.” We are touched and thankful that Sayaka told us her story and gave permission to share it with others.

As one would imagine, we have many visitors at the Sanctuary who are interested in wildlife and the rain forest. Some are able to visit in person; others contact the sanctuary by e-mail. Wendy Looker, a resident of Pennsylvania, USA, first contacted us by e-mail. Wendy has dedicated her life to wildlife rehabilitation and education. She is a soft touch for animals in need, including 110 hawks and owls, 20+ binturongs, kinkajous, a tree porcupine, various reptiles, the usual domestic pets, and one two-fingered sloth. Wendy hoped that we could give her guidance about some health problems her aging sloth “Howie”, was experiencing. In August 2003, Wendy lost her “almond-eyed beauty”. She was devastated and wanted to remember him in a special way. She shared the following tribute with us and others whose lives Howie touched:

Slowly...the ache will ease

Slowly...the tears will dry

Slowly...the memories will begin to console

Howie died today...slowly...

allowing me the time to recognize yet another serious episode and attempt for hours to reverse the inevitable...allowing me the time to relinquish...allowing me the time to prepare to say goodbye...

but I could not...and still cannot...I will be forced tonight to remove and launder my shirt that bears his distinctive sweet smell – having held him for some time today...

How, possibly, could such an odd creature that made no sound...have meant so much? A gentle, simple, vulnerable and appreciative soul...

If you can take the time to decelerate...please savor the perfection and flavorful delicacy of a single individual grape...and remember an almond-eyed beauty we were blessed to have known...

Grieving...slowly                                                                  

Wendy

Once again, a sloth has worked its magic. These quiet, unassuming animals touch us profoundly and add so much to the quality of our lives.