A Sloth Named Velcro

Sloths are unique animals—slow moving, frequently resting leaf-eaters who live in treetop canopies, and are able to rotate their heads like owls. The sloth's native habitat is limited to the jungles of Central and South America, where their range is disappearing due to development. This PBS-aired Nature documentary follows Ana Salceda, a Spanish print and TV journalist, who acquires an orphaned sloth—nicknamed Velcro, for her habit of clinging to whatever (or whoever) is close at hand—and decides to raise and nurture her, before releasing her to the wild. Viewers will see Salceda and others on a "sloth patrol," helping to move migrating sloths across busy highways. Recent research has shown that male sloths maintain small harems, and that the animal is more social, active, and less "sloth-like" than previously thought, covering a large section of the jungle each evening. A remote island off Ecuador is home to the smaller and more compact pygmy sloth, which has become critically endangered of late. In addition to habitat loss, sloths are being sold illegally as pets, which often condemns them to an early death. Other topics include the sloth's multi-chambered stomach (similar to that of cows), and its constant need to use energy to maintain body temperature. Also visiting rescue centers, where orphaned and injured sloths are cared for with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild, A Sloth Named Velcro serves up a fascinating look at these little-known or understood jungle animals. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)