CNN Heroes

When sloths are in trouble, she’s the one you call

By Kathleen Toner, CNN
5 minute read
Updated 5:07 PM EDT, Mon March 21, 2016
CNN Hero Monique Pool has been helping to rescue animals -- mostly sloths -- in her native Suriname since 2005. Click through the gallery to see more images of Pool and these fascinating animals.
CNN Hero Monique Pool has been helping to rescue animals -- mostly sloths -- in her native Suriname since 2005. Click through the gallery to see more images of Pool and these fascinating animals.
John Nowak/CNN
Pool has been recognized for her particular interest in three-toed and two-toed sloths. "I live in the middle of the city, so we are working to build a professional rehabilitation center in the forest, so we can give the animals an opportunity to practice their 'sloth skills' before they are released," she said.
Pool has been recognized for her particular interest in three-toed and two-toed sloths. "I live in the middle of the city, so we are working to build a professional rehabilitation center in the forest, so we can give the animals an opportunity to practice their 'sloth skills' before they are released," she said.
John Nowak/CNN
Pool's nonprofit, <a href="http://www.greenfundsuriname.org/en/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Green Heritage Fund Suriname</a>, started because of a lost pet. While looking for her lost dog, she called the Animal Protection Society and learned that a baby sloth had been orphaned. Pool offered to take it in. "I didn't know anything about sloths, but I learned a lot," said Pool. She sought advice from international experts on how to care for the animals. "Now, when sloths are injured or in trouble, all the telephone calls come to us."
Pool's nonprofit, Green Heritage Fund Suriname, started because of a lost pet. While looking for her lost dog, she called the Animal Protection Society and learned that a baby sloth had been orphaned. Pool offered to take it in. "I didn't know anything about sloths, but I learned a lot," said Pool. She sought advice from international experts on how to care for the animals. "Now, when sloths are injured or in trouble, all the telephone calls come to us."
John Nowak/CNN
Pool has been recognized for her particular interest in three-toed and two-toed sloths.
Pool has been recognized for her particular interest in three-toed and two-toed sloths.
John Nowak/CNN
"My biggest rescue ever was in 2012 when we heard about this plot of land that was going to be cleared," Pool said. The group rescued 200 animals, including around 160 sloths. They jokingly called it "Slothageddon -- sloth armageddon." "During that time, it was really a bit weird to live here because there were sloths everywhere: in my living room, in cages, in my garage. Dozens of volunteers were helping."
"My biggest rescue ever was in 2012 when we heard about this plot of land that was going to be cleared," Pool said. The group rescued 200 animals, including around 160 sloths. They jokingly called it "Slothageddon -- sloth armageddon." "During that time, it was really a bit weird to live here because there were sloths everywhere: in my living room, in cages, in my garage. Dozens of volunteers were helping."
John Nowak/CNN
Pool also takes in anteaters, armadillos and porcupines. To date, she and her volunteers have rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 600 animals back to the rainforest.
Pool also takes in anteaters, armadillos and porcupines. To date, she and her volunteers have rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 600 animals back to the rainforest.
John Nowak/CNN
"When I release a sloth, I feel really happy because the animal is where he belongs. That's the ultimate goal of my work," Pool said. "Wild animals belong in the wild."
"When I release a sloth, I feel really happy because the animal is where he belongs. That's the ultimate goal of my work," Pool said. "Wild animals belong in the wild."
John Nowak/CNN
Meet the 'Sloth Lady' of Suriname

Story highlights

In Suriname, Monique Pool's group has rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 600 animals

Nominations are open for 2016 CNN Heroes

Watch Pool and other Top 10 Heroes on "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" now on CNNgo

Paramaribo, Suriname CNN  — 

Sloths. They hang from trees, move very slowly and make people smile with just one look.

In recent years, the Internet has helped these creatures achieve an almost cult-like status among animal lovers. But in the South American country of Suriname, one woman has been the sloths’ passionate protector for more than a decade.

Monique Pool discovered her love for these animals in 2005. While looking for her lost dog, she called the Animal Protection Society and learned that a baby sloth had been orphaned. Pool offered to take it in.

“I didn’t know anything about sloths, but I learned a lot,” said Pool, who sought advice from international experts on how to care for the animals. “Now, when sloths are injured or in trouble, all the telephone calls come to us. The police, the fire brigade – even the zoo calls me.”

“Some people refer to me as ‘The Sloth Lady.’ I think it’s an honor.”

Related story: Sloth steals the spotlight at CNN Heroes awards

Today, Pool’s nonprofit, Green Heritage Fund Suriname, helps protect sloths and implement other conservation efforts in the country. Her home serves as a temporary sanctuary for the mammals, and she is now a recognized local authority on them.

Pool also takes in anteaters, armadillos and porcupines. To date, she and her volunteers have rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 600 animals back to the rainforest.

“When I release a sloth, I feel really happy because the animal is where he belongs. That’s the ultimate goal of my work,” Pool said. “Wild animals belong in the wild.”

Anderson Cooper, host of 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,' meets Snooki before the big show.
Anderson Cooper, host of 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,' meets Snooki before the big show.
Molly Tavoletti/CNN
Anderson learns that sloths like it when you blow gently on their face. This is why we have rehearsals.
Anderson learns that sloths like it when you blow gently on their face. This is why we have rehearsals.
Allie Torgan/CNN