The death of another rescued sloth at the Central Florida Zoo has deepened concerns surrounding animals transferred from the never-opened attraction “Sloth World” while community members continue rallying to support the surviving sloths. Zoo officials confirmed Friday that Mr. Ginger, the youngest of the 13 rescued sloths, was humanely euthanized after arriving in critical condition. His death marks the fourth loss among the rescued animals. “Everyone is sad and everyone’s frustrated,” Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover said. “It’s really hard to pick up the pieces of damage done by somebody else.” According to Glover, Mr. Ginger was the last of four sloths that arrived at the zoo in severely compromised health. >> Previous coverage in video below: ‘Mr. Ginger’ latest sloth to die after Central Florida ‘Sloth World’ rescues, zoo says>> Download the WESH 2 app to stay up-to-date on breaking news and weatherDespite the losses, the zoo says progress is being made. Nine sloths remain in the zoo’s care, including two that have recently been released from intensive care. “What that basically means is for more than a week now, they’ve been eating and drinking normally,” he said. The ongoing rescue effort has created significant financial strain for the zoo. Alex Babcock of Whisker Works said zoo officials estimate the cost of caring for the animals at roughly $2,000 per day. As veterinary teams continue rehabilitation efforts, local businesses and residents have stepped in to help offset costs. Amber and Alex Babcock, owners of Whisker Works, partnered with Sanford Main Street to create and sell sloth-themed T-shirts benefiting the zoo. The campaign has drawn widespread support. “We’ve shipped more than 900 shirts, 600 orders, and I think we are up to 42 states,” Babcock said. The couple said the rescue effort became personal after previously creating custom shirts for the attraction “Sloth World.” “All of these poor creatures suffered and died, and we wanted to help turn this into something positive,” Alex Babcock said. Sanford City Commissioner Claudia Thomas said additional financial support for the zoo could soon be discussed by city leaders. “We’re having another meeting on June 8,” Thomas said. “I’ve asked for it to be placed back on the agenda so we can discuss additional funding.” For zoo officials, the focus now remains on rehabilitating the surviving sloths and preventing similar situations in the future. The fundraising shirts are being sold for $35 online and at the Sanford Welcome Center on First Street. >> Previous coverage in video below: Sanford mulls help for Central Florida Zoo amid sloth rescues At latest, the zoo said Saturday afternoon that two of the sloths — named Dolce and Chewie — had been cleared from the intensive care unit and were stable in quarantine.
SANFORD, Fla. —
The death of another rescued sloth at the Central Florida Zoo has deepened concerns surrounding animals transferred from the never-opened attraction “Sloth World” while community members continue rallying to support the surviving sloths.
Zoo officials confirmed Friday that Mr. Ginger, the youngest of the 13 rescued sloths, was humanely euthanized after arriving in critical condition. His death marks the fourth loss among the rescued animals.
“Everyone is sad and everyone’s frustrated,” Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover said. “It’s really hard to pick up the pieces of damage done by somebody else.”
According to Glover, Mr. Ginger was the last of four sloths that arrived at the zoo in severely compromised health.
>> Previous coverage in video below: ‘Mr. Ginger’ latest sloth to die after Central Florida ‘Sloth World’ rescues, zoo says
>> Download the WESH 2 app to stay up-to-date on breaking news and weather
Despite the losses, the zoo says progress is being made. Nine sloths remain in the zoo’s care, including two that have recently been released from intensive care.
“What that basically means is for more than a week now, they’ve been eating and drinking normally,” he said.
The ongoing rescue effort has created significant financial strain for the zoo. Alex Babcock of Whisker Works said zoo officials estimate the cost of caring for the animals at roughly $2,000 per day.
As veterinary teams continue rehabilitation efforts, local businesses and residents have stepped in to help offset costs.
Amber and Alex Babcock, owners of Whisker Works, partnered with Sanford Main Street to create and sell sloth-themed T-shirts benefiting the zoo. The campaign has drawn widespread support.
“We’ve shipped more than 900 shirts, 600 orders, and I think we are up to 42 states,” Babcock said.
The couple said the rescue effort became personal after previously creating custom shirts for the attraction “Sloth World.”
“All of these poor creatures suffered and died, and we wanted to help turn this into something positive,” Alex Babcock said.
Sanford City Commissioner Claudia Thomas said additional financial support for the zoo could soon be discussed by city leaders.
“We’re having another meeting on June 8,” Thomas said. “I’ve asked for it to be placed back on the agenda so we can discuss additional funding.”
For zoo officials, the focus now remains on rehabilitating the surviving sloths and preventing similar situations in the future.
The fundraising shirts are being sold for $35 online and at the Sanford Welcome Center on First Street.
>> Previous coverage in video below: Sanford mulls help for Central Florida Zoo amid sloth rescues
At latest, the zoo said Saturday afternoon that two of the sloths — named Dolce and Chewie — had been cleared from the intensive care unit and were stable in quarantine.
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.