
Sloths love life in the slow lane above all else - and this is where adorable orphaned babies of the species are able to carefully get into the swing of a leisurely life.

These pictures show impossibly cute baby sloths at the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica. The centre is a lifeline for them as they probably wouldn't have stood a chance if left alone in the wild.

The centre was set up by Sam Trull - known as 'Mother of Sloths' - and Seda Sejud, in a bid to enhance their well-being and assure their conservation.

Some of their babies are smaller than the size of a human hand, with one image showing a cheeky sloth snuggled up in a mug.

The heartwarming collection was captured for a book called Slothlove by Trull, who has been helping sloths return to the wild since 2013.

Her work helps with research around the world on wild and captive sloths as she collaborates with other institutions and, with them, helps to educate the public about the species. These images show how being motivated to help the cute creatures must come quite easily...

Best friends: Snuggling up to its teddy, this bright-eyed baby sloth is enjoying a happy recovery after being orphaned as a youngster

Some of their babies are smaller than the size of a human hand, with one image showing a cheeky sloth snuggled up in a mug

This lovable creature is one of many being cared for by volunteers at the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, many of whom wouldn't have stood a chance if left alone in the wild

This snoozing baby is called Kermie and was the sloth that Trull originally rescued. Kermie became the inspiration to start the centre

Unlike other sloth centres that thrive on tourism for funding, the creatures are not available to be seen by the public as it is in their best interest to have as little human contact as possible, according to the website

This heart-melting image of two cuddling baby sloths is one of many that Trull took for her Slothlove project

Ready for its close-up: This small sloth enjoys the attention its getting from Trull, who has worked with animals for over 20 years

The 100-page art-and-photography book includes this playful sloth, who is performing acrobatics on a branch in the Costa Rican retreat

The Institure uses a 'soft' release technique to allow sloths to get used to the jungle before they are released into the wild by themselves

Let me sleep: The sloth enjoys a peaceful doze at the rehabilitation organisation. Woven in with the colourful images are stories of heartbreak and survival from the animals that Trull has cared for

Little star: This tiny sloth is called Elvis, and it is clear to see his playful personality when the camera is on him

Snuggles: Three babies huddle together during nap time and look extremely cosy in their surroundings

The Sloth Institute was founded because Trull wanted to spend her time getting hand-raised babies back into the jungle

The conservationist said that many people steal sloths from the wild for tourists to touch and the sloths die from stress

Trull advised that when visiting a country with sloths, never pay to take a picture with one or hold one, for the sake of their well-being