Rescued orphaned sloth finds comfort in cuddly toy

There’s nothing a good cuddle sesh can’t fix (Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

An orphaned sloth rescued from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has found comfort in a stuffed teddy donated by the local community.
This sloth is just one of the orphaned forest babies who has benefited from a campaign launched last year by Semmas, the government department responsible for environment and sustainability in the Amazonian capital of Manaus.
The drive asked the public to donate stuffed animals to the youngsters, including sloths, monkeys and anteaters, who have all found themselves orphaned because of loss of habitat, poaching and smuggling for the illegal pet trade.

(Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

In total, 63 cuddly toys were sent into the Sauim Castanheiras refuge in Manaus, which houses the orphans.
Snuggling up with the stuffed toys is believed to decrease the animals’ stress levels and bring them comfort.

(Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

‘The orphaned animals remain attached to the stuffed animals as if they were attached to their mothers, as they supply the need for affection and warmth,’ a spokesperson for Semmas said.

(Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

And, to ensure there are plenty of plush toys to go around, the shelter has made the campaign an ongoing one.

Wash day at the shelter (Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

‘This need is constant, since the babies, especially monkeys, sloths and anteaters, rely on stuffed animals so that gaps should be filled left by the absence of their mothers, from the baby stage to young stage,’ said the spokesperson.

(Picture: Arlesson Sics/Semmas/REX Shutterstock)

Well, you can’t underestimate the restorative power of a good cuddle.