It's a common practice to rescue stray animals here in the United States...maybe you or someone you know have a furry family member that you adopted from a shelter.
In the South American country of Suriname, a woman has been helping a different type of creature. She's been a passionate protector of sloths for more than a decade. Suriname is located in the northeastern part of South America, north of Brazil. It is the smallest country in South America, and is known for its rainforests.
To South America we go, to meet Monique Pool...
--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS--
Sloths are very cute because they're very slow animals. They like to hang out, they have always a smile on their face.
Here in Suriname we have the most pristine rainforest of the whole world. But-- sloths are facing loss of habitat in the urban area.
Ten years ago, we started doing sloth rescues. When sloths are in trouble, all the telephone calls come to us.
My biggest rescue ever was this plot of land that was going to be cleared.
We rescued in total, 200 animals-- mostly sloths.
There were sloths all over -- in my living room in the cages. I was slothified!
I still have a lot of sloths.
He came in with his nails cut. That's why he has to stay with us.
It's a lot of work. Wherever I go in my house, I may see a sloth.
What does a sloth do all day? It sleeps, it grooms, it eats.
Her whole face is yellow!
And it sleeps a little bit more.
It's ridiculous, the way he's lying! My life with sloths (laugh)
The best part of a rescue is when we release the animal.
You're going to the forest.
Sloths are not pets. Wild animals belong in the wild.
Find yourself a safe spot!
My work is about the environment. We should value it and protect it.
Instructional Links
Website Article: BBC, Suriname
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1211306.stm
Magazine Article: EBSCO Explora, Saving Sloths, Scholastic SuperScience. Jan. 2014
May Need Password. Lexile 820
Website Article: National Geographic, Sloths
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/two-toed-sloth.html?nav=A-Z