Outrage as Dozens of Sloths Die Before Orlando Attraction Launch

At least 31 sloths intended for display at a new wildlife attraction in Orlando have died before its opening, according to findings by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The animals were set to be part of a permanent exhibit at Sloth World, a planned “slothnarium” scheduled to open to the public later this year.

Deaths Linked to Poor Conditions

An official report released by the FWC revealed that many of the sloths died after being transported to a warehouse in Florida that was not adequately prepared to house them.

According to investigators, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana in December 2024 died due to cold conditions, while an additional 10 sloths transported from Peru in February 2025 also suffered severe health issues. Two of those arrived dead, and the remaining eight later died after showing signs of malnutrition and poor health.

Warehouse Conditions Under Scrutiny

The report found that the warehouse lacked basic utilities such as water and electricity, forcing handlers to rely on space heaters to maintain temperature. However, the heaters reportedly failed after tripping electrical circuits, leaving the animals exposed to cold overnight.

Sloths, which are native to tropical rainforests, typically require temperatures between 21°C and 30°C, but local weather data showed temperatures dropped as low as 7°C during the period.

Conflicting Accounts from Management

The owner of Sloth World, Ben Agresta, has disputed the findings, attributing the deaths to a virus rather than environmental conditions.

“The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy,” he said.

Meanwhile, the facility’s vice-president, Peter Bandre, acknowledged to investigators that the warehouse was not properly equipped at the time the animals arrived, adding that it was too late to cancel the shipment.

Regulatory Concerns and Violations

The FWC report also cited instances where the animals were kept in cages that did not meet required standards for captive wildlife, prompting a verbal warning.

Although the agency has since closed its investigation without issuing formal penalties, officials confirmed that other regulatory bodies are continuing separate inquiries.

In addition, Orange County authorities have issued a stop-work order on the warehouse, citing violations of building and safety codes.

Uncertain Future for Attraction

It remains unclear whether Sloth World will open as scheduled, amid growing scrutiny and public criticism.

Local reports indicate that surviving sloths have been relocated to another facility in Central Florida for proper care.

Public and Political Reaction

The incident has sparked backlash from lawmakers and animal rights advocates, who have raised concerns about animal welfare standards and oversight in private wildlife attractions.

The controversy underscores broader issues around the handling and exhibition of exotic animals, with calls mounting for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.