26 Mar Casa Mariposa: Rescuing Sloths in El Valle de Anton
By Natalie Warner
Last week Coronado Concierge Panama took a trip to El Valle de Anton and visited Casa Mariposa. In addition to being a welcoming bed and breakfast, they are also known for rescuing injured and orphan sloths. The owners, Ursula and Harry, were gracious enough to allow us to stop by and learn more about sloths.
Native to Central America, there are two types of sloths that can be found throughout Panama: two toed sloths and three toed sloths. Both species are peculiar looking; however, some views of the sloth are a bit more sinister. Go to some rural areas of Panama and it is thought that sloths are connected to demons. Because of these beliefs, sloths are beaten, burned, or stoned–often times resulting in sloths needing a place to recover.
Casa Mariposa currently has four sloths, all of which are three toed sloths. One was orphaned after his mother was discovered of having a broken neck. The orphan is currently being rehabilitated in hopes of being released back into the wild. This sloth is in a special room, free of human interaction. Two others were orphaned at a young age and unable to be released back into the wild. Both sloths became parents 10 weeks ago. These three sloths are used to human interaction and are the ones that can be seen by visitors.
Facts about three toed sloths:
- They can weigh up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and can be up to 60 centimeters in length (2 feet).
- Every sloth has its own unique markings, similar to that of a human fingerprint.
- Their primary diet consists of leaves from the guarumo tree.
Facts about two toed sloths:
- Two toed sloths can weigh up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds) and can be up to 60 centimeters in length (2 feet).
- Unlike their three toed cousins, two toed sloth males do not have a mark
- Their diet consists of leaves, flowers, berries, eggs, and insects.
Both species have one of three reasons that a sloth will come down from a tree: to urinate and defecate, which happens once a week; for mating purposes; or to change trees. They also have the capability to turn their heads 300 degrees.
A few helpful tips if visiting the sloths is of interest. Seeing the sloths requires an appointment. Group sizes are limited to five people at a time, including current hotel guests. Appointments are first come, first serve. The optimal time to see the sloths is at 5pm. Although there are pictures of people holding the sloths, this is not the norm. Ursula and Harry only allow sloths to be held if the sloths themselves choose to be held by visitors. Limited pictures are requested. The situation is significantly less stressful and more enjoyable for the sloths if they are not forced to be held and have numerous pictures taken.
Donations are accepted but not required. Donations go directly to the care of the sloths, including medicine and transportation costs. Casa Mariposa is currently looking for a veterinarian who specializes in spaying and neutering sloths.
Casa Mariposa is centrally located in El Valle and is nestled in a tropical setting. They have three rooms available for guests. Their largest room, a fully finished apartment, can accommodate up to 4 people. Two other rooms are available that are able to accommodate smaller parties. Casa Mariposa has a social area that offers a 360-degree view of El Valle de Anton. From here you can get spectacular views of the area and see some of the breathtaking surrounding mountains, including India Dormida–the Sleeping Indian Woman.
Social area at Casa Mariposa offering 360 degree view of El Valle
Casa Mariposa grounds
For more information contact Casa Mariposa via email at [email protected] or visit their website at http://www.casamariposaelvalle.com. If you are interested in seeing this location or seeing other areas in El Valle, contact us for more information.