Tag Archives: Costa Rica
The Cute Show featuring sloths
Watch Series 1 Episode 1 of the Cute Show on ABC iView to see an adorable short film about the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica.
Why do Sloths Hang Upside-Down?
The Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica not only provides a safe haven and home for dozens of sloths, but also carries out biological research on these little-known creatures. Here they provide an explanation as to why and how sloths can live their entire lives upside down.
“Three-fingered sloths have a unique system of multiple internal adhesions that anchor their abdominal organs against the lower ribs. These adhesions support the weight of a sloth’s stomach, kidneys and digestive tract when inverted, facilitating ease in breathing by preventing the lungs from being compressed.
Our Sloth Backpack Project reveals that sloths spend about 90% of their day inverted; the internal adhesions make that possible by reducing sloths’ energy expenditure. Because of their extremely slow metabolic rate and exceptionally low body temperature, it can take up to 30 days to digest a single leaf. Having a constantly full stomach means they can’t ingest much on a daily basis, so their caloric intake is very low. Sloths have virtually no flexibility in their energy budget: they generate just enough energy from their diet to move when and where required; beyond that, not much more is stored.
Why do sloths hang upside down for so long? Because they need to eat tender new leaves that grow on the outer tips of branches. These leaves often have a lower toxin content and are easier to digest. In order to reach these choice leaves, a sloth has to hang by its toes.
In addition to the adhesions, sloths have other anatomical features that allow them to remain comfortable when inverted. These include circulatory adaptations that prevent the blood rushing to the head and a highly specialized esophagus that allows them to swallow while upside down.”
Hamish and Andy’s Sleepy Sloth Challenge
Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year this year was spent in South America. Episode 4 sees them jetting off to Costa Rica to visit some sloths and learn about their sleepy ways! Watch the video from 33:53 for the sloth segment.
After meeting the sloths, the boys got a little sleepy on a special tea… and began their sleepy sloth challenge…
The sleepiness appeared to take a while to wear off! Welcome to the life of a sloth!
Lunita the Sloth
One of the cutest members of the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica, meet Lunita the sloth.
More gorgeous photos on Buzzfeed!
Happy Birthday to my Best Friend
Today is the boy’s birthday! We had friends over last night, have spent all day together today and will see family tonight. He is the cherry on top of my sloth-filled life and I love him so very very much, not least for putting up with this all-consuming obsession of mine (and, generally, encouraging it…).
To get into the party mood, here’s some pics of Buttercup the Sloth on her birthday, from the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica. 
Dreaming of Costa Rica
So collllllddddd here in Winter…
One day I will make it to the land of the sloths. (Also, why can’t I get these in Australia?)
Costa Rica v Netherlands Google Doodle
The other day the Google Doodle featured a sloth for the Costa Rica vs Netherlands World Cup 2014 match! This speedy little sloth was good at defending! So were the Costa Rica side actually, but unfortunately they couldn’t get over the line in the end. 
Click here for a link to the archived Doodle which was animated.
The Ultimate Sloth Gift Guide
Having trouble finding a gift for the sloth lover in your life? With Christmas fast approaching, you’ll need to be quicker than a sloth if you want to get them that present they will treasure for many long, slow years. Here’s a short guide to my top ten picks.
Number 10: Sloth Art by Tara Billinger– These plus many more!
Number 9: Sloth Socks from Sockittome.com
Number 8: Sloth Love Mug from Cafe Press
Number 7: “The Croods” movie
Number 6: “A Little Book of Sloth” by Lucy Cooke
Number 5: Sloth Flip T-shirt- “Ask me why I’m lazy”
Number 4: “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly Said the Sloth” by Eric Carle
Number 3: Sloth rings from Etsy
Number 2: Three Toed Sloth toy from Amazon
AND NUMBER ONE: If your recipient simply has everything already, why not make a donation on their behalf to the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, to help rehabilitate injured sloths and return them to the wild. 
Happy shopping, and Merry Christmas!
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