SANFORD, Fla. – Bandit, a sloth that was rescued from a warehouse for a planned Sloth World attraction in Orlando, has died, according to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The young two-toed sloth was one of 13 sloths receiving treatment at the zoo in Sanford.
But Bandit’s condition was critical when he arrived, according to zoo officials, and he showed signs of severe lethargy, dehydration, and nutritional and electrolyte imbalances.
“Despite the tireless efforts of our veterinary team, including Dr. Haley Straub, Bandit’s condition was too severe to overcome,” Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this loss. Our team did everything possible to give him the best chance at survival and ensure he was comfortable in his final days.”
The zoo said it will continue to closely monitor the remaining sloths and provide “the highest level of care.”
Over 50 sloths planned for Sloth World died
Dozens of sloths were transported from South America for Sloth World, an attraction that was set to open this year in Orlando.
According to an Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission report, 31 sloths died between December 2024 and February 2025.
The sloths had been kept in a warehouse that had no electricity, no running water and faulty space heaters, which led to the animals dying of cold stun, according to the report.
The owner of Sloth World told FOX 35 last week that he planned to file for bankruptcy protection and that he was no longer moving forward with plans to open the attraction.