A Three Toed Sloth was hanging precariously from the lower branches of a tree near the edge of the road (I live in Costa Rica).

I couldn't resist the photo op.

The sloth was patient with me, while I took his photos

He seemed semi-interested in me.

Little did I know, that inside he was screaming, "Please help me, I'm about to fall, I'm at the end of my branch."

As he made one last stretch to climb upwards, I thanked him for the photos and turned to return my car. I heard a plop behind me. The poor little thing lost his/her grip and dropped about 4ft. to the ground.

They don't do too well on the ground and I was afraid that he would crawl towards the road, so I offered him a branch, which he accepted eagerly.

I walk him back into the jungle a little ways...

...offered him a tree to hug, again he accepted.

In slow motion, he made his way skyward. A very awesome encounter with a very gentle animal.

I'm easily startled by sloth: