RIO BRANCO, BRAZIL — A sloth (Bradypus variegatus) was rescued from a public square in downtown Xapuri, in the interior of Acre state, on Monday afternoon (27). The wild animal was found clinging to a wooden fence at São Sebastião Square, located along the banks of the Acre River.

The Fire Department was called to carry out the rescue. According to Captain Akauany Ferraz Pereira, the animal was wet and, as it was found near the river, likely swam across to reach the square. Due to the area’s heavy foot traffic, the sloth posed a risk to both the public and itself, including the possibility of being run over.

After an assessment of its physical condition, the animal was relocated and released into a suitable forested area away from potential threats, ensuring its safety and preservation. The recurrence of such rescues in Xapuri is attributed to the town’s proximity to the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve (Resex), an important conservation area and natural habitat for various wildlife species, which facilitates their movement into urban areas.

The sloth’s name reflects its behavior. Living high in the trees, the mammal has a slow-paced lifestyle and can sleep up to 20 hours a day. These animals are native to the Americas, and six of the seven known species are found in Brazil.

Amazon Agency