Mateo's Sloth Rescue

Mateo loved visiting Abuela Elena’s farm. His wild, curly hair bounced as he explored the vibrant Costa Rican rainforest.

Abuela Elena, with her kind eyes and silver-streaked hair, always had stories. She knew every plant and creature.

One sunny morning, Mateo spotted something unusual. High in a tall cecropia tree, a tiny, brown bundle.

It was a baby *perezoso* – a sloth! Its big, dark eyes looked sad. It wasn't moving.

"Abuela! Abuela!" Mateo called, his voice filled with worry. "Something is wrong with the baby sloth!"

Abuela Elena hurried over. She saw the tiny creature, barely clinging. "Oh, mi corazón," she murmured softly. "It looks very weak."

Abuela carefully climbed a small ladder. With gentle hands, she brought the shivering baby sloth down.

Back on the veranda, Abuela wrapped the *perezoso* in a soft cloth. "It needs warmth and food," she explained to Mateo.

Mateo helped Abuela prepare a special warm milk. He watched as the tiny sloth slowly, slowly, took a few sips.

"Sloths eat leaves, Mateo," Abuela said. "But this little one is too young. It needs extra care to grow strong."

For days, Mateo and Abuela cared for the sloth. Mateo learned how gently to hold it, how to keep it warm.

The *perezoso* slowly gained strength. Its dark eyes looked brighter, its tiny claws gripped Mateo’s finger.

"It's time to call the wildlife center," Abuela decided. "They are experts at helping animals return home."