Slothpital

In order to properly care for sick, injured and orphaned sloths, the Sanctuary needed a dedicated space. Fortunately, we (and the sloths!) have wonderful friends who helped make our dream a reality. Harry Bramer and his wife, Sharon Lake, from England, donated $25,000 to begin the construction of a hospital for the sloths. Daryl, another dear friend, and owner/CEO of the Dallas World Aquarium, donated the building plans and the wonderful kitchen. Our very capable, mutli-tasking Sanctuary employees did the actual construction. The Slothpital was finished and functioning in 2005.

The new facility includes our special hotel-quality all stainless steel kitchen with walk-in cooler just for the sloths. Here, staff and volunteers prepare fruits and vegetables that are part of the daily diet of the two-fingered sloths. Veggies are cooked on the huge commercial gas stove and up to four days’ supply of fruits, vegetables and leaves can be stored in the many-shelved walk-in cooler.

The nursery contains extra incubators and lots of special enclosures needed for the rescued adult sloths as they recover from injuries. The quarantine/transition room serves several purposes: in addition to a quarantine area, it is used for a “half-way house” for babies (juveniles) who will be graduating soon to outdoor adult enclosures. It also comes in handy for some of the non-sloth animals that are rescued/confiscated and brought to the Sanctuary. The most recent occupants were a tiny Margay kitten that was subsequently relocated to a specialized feline rescue center, and Shakira, a beautiful adult Spider monkey that was removed from private “ownership”. Shakira was also relocated to a place where she could be with other Spider monkeys. Two separate laundry areas, one for the sloths - because they use huge numbers of towels in their “beds” - and another laundry facility for our small hotel, are located in the Slothpital complex.

A very important space in the Slothpital is dedicated to the medical needs of the sloths. Examination, treatments and surgeries are all performed in the clinic which includes a darkroom for our x-ray machine. It is equipped with an air-conditioner to protect the delicate equipment and for when we perform surgeries. We still need many more items of special equipment to complete the clinic. If you would like to help with donated equipment or supplies please go to our Wish List.