Thirty-one sloths planned for a new 'slothnarium' in Florida died before the attraction's planned opening, authorities have found. The mammals were set to be showcased at a permanent, public exhibit at Sloth World in Orlando, scheduled to open this spring.
Many of the sloths died due to conditions at a Florida warehouse where they had been shipped, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report released on Friday. Others arrived in Florida already dead or appeared in ill health and later died, the report states.
The owner of Sloth World has denied allegations in the report and said there was 'so much false and inaccurate information out there right now.'The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy, Ben Agresta, the owner of Sloth World, told Fox-35 in Orlando.
The FWC report outlines two instances of sloth deaths preceding the attraction's opening. In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana succumbed due to cold conditions at the warehouse, while in February 2025, two of 10 sloths from Peru arrived dead. The remaining eight were reported to be in poor health and later died.
FWC investigators were alerted and began investigating, with Peter Bandre, listed as the attraction's vice-president, admitting that the warehouse was not properly equipped for the animals. He attributed the sloths' deaths to a 'cold stun' following a shipment in a facility without adequate heating.
The facility was reported to be lacking in crucial amenities such as water and electricity, leading to the introduction of space heaters that unfortunately malfunctioned. The sloths, accustomed to tropical environments, were left in cold conditions, exacerbating their plight.
In its investigation, the FWC remarked on violations of obligations regarding the care of the sloths, with warnings given but no citations issued. The owner of Sloth World holds a wildlife permit, but concerns have been raised over whether such permits adequately guarantee animal welfare.
The case has sparked criticism from lawmakers and animal rights advocates, who are questioning the oversight processes. The Sloth Conservation Foundation and Sloth Institute have voiced concerns over the wellbeing of sloths captured and shipped internationally.
Local media report that more than a dozen remaining sloths meant for the new facility are now being cared for by another zoo, while the future of the Sloth World attraction remains uncertain amidst the controversies.
Many of the sloths died due to conditions at a Florida warehouse where they had been shipped, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report released on Friday. Others arrived in Florida already dead or appeared in ill health and later died, the report states.
The owner of Sloth World has denied allegations in the report and said there was 'so much false and inaccurate information out there right now.'The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy, Ben Agresta, the owner of Sloth World, told Fox-35 in Orlando.
The FWC report outlines two instances of sloth deaths preceding the attraction's opening. In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana succumbed due to cold conditions at the warehouse, while in February 2025, two of 10 sloths from Peru arrived dead. The remaining eight were reported to be in poor health and later died.
FWC investigators were alerted and began investigating, with Peter Bandre, listed as the attraction's vice-president, admitting that the warehouse was not properly equipped for the animals. He attributed the sloths' deaths to a 'cold stun' following a shipment in a facility without adequate heating.
The facility was reported to be lacking in crucial amenities such as water and electricity, leading to the introduction of space heaters that unfortunately malfunctioned. The sloths, accustomed to tropical environments, were left in cold conditions, exacerbating their plight.
In its investigation, the FWC remarked on violations of obligations regarding the care of the sloths, with warnings given but no citations issued. The owner of Sloth World holds a wildlife permit, but concerns have been raised over whether such permits adequately guarantee animal welfare.
The case has sparked criticism from lawmakers and animal rights advocates, who are questioning the oversight processes. The Sloth Conservation Foundation and Sloth Institute have voiced concerns over the wellbeing of sloths captured and shipped internationally.
Local media report that more than a dozen remaining sloths meant for the new facility are now being cared for by another zoo, while the future of the Sloth World attraction remains uncertain amidst the controversies.
