Sloths are not bears or monkeys, they are mammals belonging to the family Megalonychidae (two toed sloth) and Bradypodidae (three toed sloth) in the order Pilosa and super order Xenarthra, a group of mammals that appeared 60 million years ago approximately.

Many of these ancient mammals are now extinct and were mostly terrestrial and big, like the Megalocnus ("Great Sloth") who was among one of the largest of the Caribbean Islands with individuals estimated to have weighed up to 90 kg (200lb).

Sloths are always in the trees, their body is completely adapted to hang, therefore is very difficult for them to walk in the ground, but strangely they descend from trees once a week to defecate.

Their diet is based on leaves, these are a poor source of energy and of difficult digestion, and an evident adaptation to this fact is their very low metabolism by which they may survive in their habitat.

At the Paradero Ecoturístico they take care of sloths which were confiscated by police force from people who take them as pets, so this is a wildlife rescue center. Their noble mission should be supported, if you want to know how you may enjoy this fantastic excursion that include a boat ride through part of majestic Tortuguero Canals while you support the sloths  then click next to find more…