4th sloth rescued by Central Florida zoo has died

Willow, one of 13 sloths rescued from “Sloth World Orlando,” has died, according to an update shared via social media by the Central Florida Zoo on Tuesday.”It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Willow, a female sloth cared for behind-the-scenes at the zoo,” officials said in the post on social media.Her caretakers at the zoo said that despite daily care and medical treatments, her condition declined steadily over the last few weeks.”A thorough quality of life assessment was conducted for Willow, and the difficult decision was made for humane euthanization,” zoo officials said.She is the fourth sloth to die since arriving at the zoo. Nine others are still recieving care.In total, over 50 sloths from “Sloth World Orlando” have died since they arrived on April 24.Florida officials have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of the sloths who were at the now-closed Sloth World attraction.Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a statewide prosecutor, who is also an animal welfare law expert, will assist the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office in the case.“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves. We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires,” Uthmeier said in a letter responding to calls for action.State Rep. Anna Eskamani has been working with colleagues to demand accountability and policy changes following the sloths’ deaths.“These sloths did not grow up in captivity. They were stolen from the wild and brought for human entertainment to Florida. That alone should be prohibited,” Eskamani said.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the conditions at the warehouse where the animals died. Eskamani criticized the agency’s handling of the situation.While the investigation continues, the Central Florida Zoo will continue caring for the surviving sloths.

SANFORD, Fla. —

Willow, one of 13 sloths rescued from “Sloth World Orlando,” has died, according to an update shared via social media by the Central Florida Zoo on Tuesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Willow, a female sloth cared for behind-the-scenes at the zoo,” officials said in the post on social media.

Her caretakers at the zoo said that despite daily care and medical treatments, her condition declined steadily over the last few weeks.

“A thorough quality of life assessment was conducted for Willow, and the difficult decision was made for humane euthanization,” zoo officials said.

She is the fourth sloth to die since arriving at the zoo. Nine others are still recieving care.

In total, over 50 sloths from “Sloth World Orlando” have died since they arrived on April 24.

Florida officials have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of the sloths who were at the now-closed Sloth World attraction.

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a statewide prosecutor, who is also an animal welfare law expert, will assist the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office in the case.

“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves. We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires,” Uthmeier said in a letter responding to calls for action.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani has been working with colleagues to demand accountability and policy changes following the sloths’ deaths.

“These sloths did not grow up in captivity. They were stolen from the wild and brought for human entertainment to Florida. That alone should be prohibited,” Eskamani said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the conditions at the warehouse where the animals died. Eskamani criticized the agency’s handling of the situation.

While the investigation continues, the Central Florida Zoo will continue caring for the surviving sloths.