No other goal has similarly captured my imagination or determination like liberating Monster. Anyone who knows me knows that I was prepared to ruin myself financially, emotionally, physically and mentally JUST to make sure she was healthy, happy and free. I wouldn’t be able to argue with anyone who claimed I was obsessed with keeping Monster alive. If I wasn’t directly with her I would ask whoever was observing her: “How is Monster today? What is she eating? Has she pooped? Is she active? Where is she sleeping?” Everything had to be perfect for Monster, especially her release.

Monster arrived at the KSTR wildlife clinic when she was less than two weeks old in December of 2013, she was so young, just keeping her alive long enough to be released was a serious challenge. It’s a well known fact in the Zoo and Rescue community that three toed sloths do not survive well in captivity. And tiny, practically newborn babies have an even smaller margin of survival. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, all of the animals who enter a wildlife rescue program are already dying upon arrival. Reversing that path and rehabilitating them to their release is impossible for some and nearly impossible for the others. I wish I could accurately convey to all the people who see cute photos of baby sloths – and think what an easy fun job this must be – just how utterly devastating and difficult it truly is to care for, rehabilitate and release orphaned sloths. I wish I could meticulously describe how many times I have sobbed uncontrollably, gone days without eating and sacrificed the ability to relax and have fun with friends, because of all the babies who have touched my heart and warmed my soul.