Sloth Sanctuary Suriname sequel: the whole story!

Things are moving at anything but a 'sloth pace' here at Green Heritage Fund Suriname.  A total of 39 animals have been rescued since our last report.  The majority of these 3-toed sloths, 2-toed sloths and lesser anteaters were released shortly after rescue.

During the summer months, the nursery was in full swing with a handful of sloths under the age of one year. A new rehabilitation center will be especially important for these young animals to have a chance at life in the wild, as they need to develop essential survival skills in as natural an environment as possible. Rehabilitation can take much longer if animals do not have access to the most natural surroundings possible.  

Such was the case with one of our forest-bound friends, Ann.  After 3 years we are finally releasing Ann, one of the last babies of the mega sloth rescue of 2012 (see Monique's upcoming book, Slothified, for the complete story). For Ann and another rescue, Houtje, this is only a pre-release in a last patch of forest at Houttuyn Eco and Wellness Resort, located a short distance from the city of Paramaribo.  It is an ideal location for a pre-release since it is privately owned land.  Owners Marisol and Neville asked us to relocate the sloths before the land is cleared for the expansion of the eco-resort.  We took the opportunity to study Houtje, a male three-toed sloth, in this patch of forest to see what he eats, how much he moves, when he comes down, and other behaviors.  

The day of the pre-release Ann was outfitted in her radio tracker and had been waiting at the door from the moment Monique woke up.  She was not satisfied with walking in the garden any longer and she clearly understood what had been promised to her, a patch of real forest (not that boring mango tree in the neighbor's garden) and a good variety of leaves to eat from. Ann happily climbed into the kennel and when we arrived at Houttuyn she did not hesitate for one second.  She immediately started climbing up a liana tree that had been carefully chosen for her. Only she grabbed onto a branch that was hanging next to the liana and when she was already at 12m...it broke! She came crashing down and at 3 meters from the forest floor she grabbed a liana and broke her own fall. Completely unfazed she started climbing up again, now carefully staying on the liana originally picked for her.

From that point forward she was out of sight, causing some worry among all of us at GHFS. The next day Romano, our resident sloth-tracker, could not find her and was not picking up a radio signal.  Much to everyones relief, later that day he had a visual and saw her eating. He then again lost her. When Monique went to the field she could hear the faint radio signal, but did not see her. Since yesterday we have had good visuals, and we see that she is maybe not yet completely used to living in the forest, but she is coping and eating, giving us confidence that she can be released in the contiguous forest in Saramacca that we had intended for her.  Once research is complete, a final release for Ann and Houtje is slated for early 2016.  

While the majority of the animals we rescue achieve happy outcomes in a new jungle home, not all animals make it. We experienced a very difficult loss several weeks ago when 'Baby Haganah' left us.  She came to us at the tender age of approximately one week and despite various efforts to save her life, she failed to thrive.  

Baby Haganah's death shines light on the importance of community education and taking action to prevent the unlawful and unethical poaching of animals in Suriname and around the world.  Baby Haganah's mother was killed by poachers, and came to us thanks to a concerned community member who witnessed these men trying to sell the baby as a pet.    

On a celebratory note, our team at GHFS congratulates Monique Pool, Founder & Chairman of the Board, for her nomination on October 8th as a top ten CNN Hero.  CNN Heroes is an award-winning television special created by CNN to honor individuals who make extraordinary contributions to humanitarian aid and make a difference in their communities.  Today and everyday until November 15th, we invite you to support Monique by voting for her online through the CNN Heroes website.  We've provided the link in this report.  Don't forget to tune into an 'All-Star Tribute' on December 8th, 2015 for the announcement of the 'CNN Hero of the Year'.  

Please be sure to keep in touch by subscribing for updates through our new and improved website and follow 'Green Heritage Fund Suriname' on Facebook, Twitter, Istagram and YouTube.  Thank you for your continued support!

Links:

• Please vote daily for Monique-CNN Heroes
• Updated Article-Monique Pool, CNN Hero
• New & Improved GHFS Website

SLOTH COURIER - REPORT 2

While the sloth rescues and releases do not stop, we have a very short report about some wonderful news that arrived today. Monique Pool, Founder of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname is this week's CNN Hero!

CNN announced this news with the following tweet and picture of 19November:

Some call her the ‘#Sloth Lady’ of #Suriname. Meet this week's CNN Hero tonight at http://CNNHeroes.com #CNNHeroes

Yesterday Monique Pool was on a release with Jason Jones from Portland, Oregon, and Nicole Whalen from WDC, as well as Sloth Awardee Stellar Tsang to release an anteater and sloth that had been rescued only days before. The release location is the likely future location of the Sloth Rehabilitation and Education centre. The anteater immediately climbed into a forest giant covered with lianas to find a nice spot to sleep in until night, when he would further explore his new home. The sloth took a little bit longer, and was not shy to pose for the camera, while checking out her new home. For Jones this was an amazing moment, to experience how the animals, of which he had helped rescue one, were able to go back to the wild. 

Links:

• CNN Heroes article on the Sloth Lady of Suriname