The Board of Directors of Tulemar are pleased to announce a partnership between Tulemar and The Sloth Institute Costa Rica.
The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is a non-profit organization based in Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Their mission is to enhance the well-being and conservation of wild and captive sloths through research and education. They are also dedicated to collaborating with other sloth rehabilitation and release programs.
The first phase of our partnership involves plans to re-introduce sloths, orphaned and hand raised, back into the rainforest in the maritime zone adjoining Tulemar.
“Tulemar and the maritime zone offer the perfect environment to introduce our first two sloths, Ellen and Kermie back to their rainforest roots, where they belong. The resort sits in a large parcel of jungle including the adjacent maritime zone, containing an abundant source of excellent food choices, a significant wild sloth population, the absence of dangerous electrical wires, a strict “”no dogs and cats” policy and with Tulemar’s commitment to dedicate this land for the preservation of the sloths, choosing Tulemar for this endeavor was a no-brainer”, said Seda Sejud, co-founder and Chief Sloth Volunteer of The Sloth Institute.
“We are so pleased to be a part of this exciting release project and with the approval of MINAE, (the governmental agency responsible for the maritime zone and wildlife) to use the maritime property in a way that helps contribute to the conservation of the sloth population in Costa Rica”, said Dave Houck, board member and resident of Tulemar. Tulemar’s board approved a plan to provide funds for the building of the pre-release cage and temporary housing for the researchers.
The sloth duo, which were hand raised at Kids Saving the Rainforest, were recently fitted with custom VHF collars. They began their re-entry project in a specially designed 6 by 6 by 6 meter tall non-permanent soft release cage built to encompass a variety of their favorite edible trees and vines so that they can gradually acclimate to their new environment before the cage doors are opened. The cage was built in a secluded section of the maritime zone where humans are not allowed.
Once released, TSI’s volunteer research staff, housed close by, will be tracking the duo 24/7 over the course of 1-2 years to study their progress while simultaneously tracking and studying the wild sloths in Tulemar for comparison. Additionally, Tulemar is working with MINAE for approval to build a research station in the same area for TSI and its future programs. TSI is also providing Tulemar home owners and guests educational projects and seminars.
While this is not a “swim with the sloths” type of program (other than TSI staff, no personal contact or viewing of the caged sloths will be allowed), it will certainly increase the population and visibility of wild sloths within Tulemar and make Tulemar even more of a desirable place to live and visit.
Educational information about the sloths, The Sloth Institute and its programs and how homeowners and guests can help is available in Tulemar or at.
theslothinstitutecostarica.org
This is an important program for Costa Rica, the sloths and the communities of Manuel Antonio and Tulemar is proud to be a partner!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donations:
Pack with a Purpose: Want to bring something cool for the sloths?
Shop from our Amazon list of gifts!
You Can also
* IMPORTANT NOTICE *
Neither The Sloth Institute’s main facility outside of Quepos nor the release facility at Tulemar are open to the public, due to the nature of the programs. Human contact must be restricted to TSI staff only to encourage the sloths to return to their natural habitat. While this isn’t a “swim with the sloths” type of program, it will certainly increase the sloth population and visibility inside of Tulemar. Guests and residents of Tulemar will probably see TSI staff wandering the trails and pathways looking for sloths or studying them. Please feel free to ask them about the sloths and the program.
ABOUT THE SLOTH INSTITUTE OF COSTA RICA (TSI)
The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is a non-profit organization based in Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Their mission is to enhance the well-being and conservation of wild and captive sloths through research and education. They are also dedicated to collaborating with other sloth rehabilitation and release programs.
