During our travels, the biggest adventures of all belonged to me. Tropical bird songs and filtered sunlight replaced candles and a pink birthday cake. That day unfolded as planned months ago when I first decided to spend the day with sloths. Damp earth, rustling leaves, and the quiet of a sloth sanctuary welcomed me into my 7th decade. Never having made a real birthday wish for myself, I did this year, creating a milestone, not just a footnote.
Costa Rica must be the place God goes to relax.
In my experience, this country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We spent my birthday morning at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of Costa Rica’s endangered wildlife. The stars of the show were the baby sloths, but there were plenty of supporting actors.
One of the first things I noticed upon our arrival was that this very old place was extremely clean. Without the smells you might find at any normal zoo, the caregivers moved with calm and gentle motions. There would be NO SELFIES with the animals. Every animal there had already suffered enough at the hands of men. In their opinion, selfies only promoted the human urge to possess these creatures. NO SELFIES with the animals. Period. With that, it was clear that snuggling with the babies wouldn’t happen. Watching would be enough.
With that we met some residents. Of course, the two that melted our hearts were the babies. Electrocution is one of the biggest causes of death in sloths. The two orphans are now raised by their human Sloth Mother. Having worked with these tiny creatures for 30 years, she watched over her littles who were wrapped in blankets. Sloths don’t like to be touched. It stresses them out.
There were five adults hanging around. Sloths only defecate once a week, climbing down the tree to bury their scat. Then, it’s the slow journey back up the tree to safety.
Enclosures held monkeys rescued from the evils of man. One belonged to a cartel, where he learned to drink, smoke, and consume cocaine. A very muscular and busy animal, we were told he was the most dangerous in the compound, which escapes now and then. Another monkey spent years in chains. When she arrived, it took her six months to stop carrying a piece of chain with her, although it had been removed. Oh, the bottomless pit of evil in humans.
Watching the care giver made me think about Jesus and his care for the least among us. Those of us that have the strength, resources, and time are called upon to help the overlooked, harmed, or forgotten in ways we can.
After our tour, the hosts offered us snacks from the rainforest. Juice, pineapple, and other fruits were served under a canopy to protect us from random raindrops. Magic in the middle of the wilds of Costa Rica, just as I’d dreamed for months.
The two hours we spent wandering, looking, and listening are imprinted on my heart. I’m so grateful for seventy years of learning, loving, and becoming. Growing up on a farm taught me everything I needed to know before I struck out on my own. Returning to an animal sanctuary, I stepped into a decade guided by wonder, awe, compassion, and faith. This decade won’t be defined by speed or spectacle, but with curiosity and presence. This decade will be intentional.
More tomorrow.