Orange County deputies conclude investigation into Sloth World | Here’s what they found:
ORLANDO, Fla. —
The investigation into the now-shuttered Orlando attraction, Sloth World, has come to a close, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Beginning in May, OCSO began its investigation into whether there had been any criminal activity that might have led to the deaths of dozens of sloths imported from overseas.
After several months, OCSO has finally come to the conclusion that “the deaths of the transported two-toed and three-toed sloths were the result of multiple contributing factors affecting the overall health and survivability of the animals – and not a criminal act.”
A report from the sheriff’s office stated deputies “observed staff actively cleaning enclosures, providing food and water, and documented no captive wildlife violations during the inspection.”
The findings included input from the head pathologist at the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, who explained, “Sloths have a highly specialized diet and that animals captured from the wild may experience nutritional deficiencies if removed from their natural environment or maintained without an appropriate diet for extended periods.”
The pathologist also identified “severe gastrointestinal dysfunction as a major factor contributing to the deaths of the sloths examined.”
Additionally, a veterinary forensic pathologist and professor at the University of Florida found evidence of infectious disease.
Deputies said they took a look at facility records, veterinary documentation, inspection records, animal care procedures, and diagnostic findings. This is in addition to the nearly two dozen interviews they conducted with state and national experts for knowledge about the “care and vulnerability” of the sloths set for the Orlando attraction.
OCSO said none of their findings showed intentional harm, abuse or criminal neglect.
“Investigators determined that Sloth World personnel provided ongoing care and monitoring of the animals, including documentation of food and water consumption, environmental management through temperature and humidity controls, routine observation, and access to veterinary services,” OCSO said.
All in all, it was determined that the deaths of the animals appeared consistent with multiple different factors, rather than the result of criminal activity or improper care, the sheriff’s office said.
According to deputies, the full report has been shared with the State Attorney’s Office.
Anna Eskamani shared the following statement on OCSO’s findings with WESH 2 News:
“I want to thank the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for the rigor they brought to this investigation and for taking our concerns and the community’s concerns so seriously. Over more than three months, their detectives reviewed facility records, veterinary and diagnostic documentation, and inspection histories, and conducted more than twenty interviews with state and national experts. They did their job thoroughly and professionally, and under current law, I accept that the conclusion they reached.
That is why we need to change the law and rules governing captive wildlife in Florida. Dozens of sloths were captured, shipped across the world, and died, and under Florida law as it exists today, no one is held accountable. That is not a failure of the investigators. It is a failure of our statutes and our rules. When a facility can be in full compliance with every applicable state standard and animals still die by the dozens, the standards themselves are the problem. Compliance is not the same as care.
I will be working with my colleagues in the Legislature, with FWC, and with wildlife and veterinary experts to strengthen Florida’s rules on the importation, permitting, and housing of exotic and highly specialized species, and to close the gaps this case exposed. No animal should be brought into our state to suffer and die because our laws were too weak to stop it. I am grateful to every Central Floridian who refused to let this go. Your voices are why this case was investigated at all, and they are why the law and rules will change.”