Necropsy reports on sloths bound for Sloth World Orlando released

WESH 2 is going through the new necropsy report released on the sloths that died before they arrived at Sloth World Orlando. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said 31 sloths died, and 13 were given to the Central Florida Zoo. Among the sloths who were taken in at the Central Florida Zoo, two have since died. One sloth named Bandit died on April 29, and another named Habanero died over the weekend. State and federal leaders have been pushing for accountability. 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 Attorney Monique Worrell released a statement, saying:”The loss of these vulnerable animals is deeply troubling, and our office mourns alongside the community. We take seriously our responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, and we will do everything within our power to ensure accountability in this matter.The Assistant State Attorney assigned to this matter immediately began seeking answers as soon as the reporting regarding the death of the sloths began. He reached out to Senior Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day based on their prior working relationship in animal cruelty cases during her time with this office to seek her perspective on the matter. This type of inter-agency collaboration is not uncommon, particularly in matters requiring specialized knowledge.To be clear, neither the assigned ASA nor Ms. Day is investigating this matter. At this stage, they are in preliminary discussions about which law enforcement agency would be best suited to conduct an investigation, should one move forward. We do not have any information regarding an investigation that is currently underway.The State Attorney’s Office serves a distinct and deliberate role in the criminal legal process: we do not investigate cases — we receive investigations from law enforcement, evaluate the evidence, and make prosecutorial decisions grounded in law and fact. That distinction matters, and it guides everything we do.When we have more information to share, we will do so through the appropriate channels.”State Rep. Anna Eskamani has also 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.WESH 2 is following the investigation and will provide updates on air and online.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

WESH 2 is going through the new necropsy report released on the sloths that died before they arrived at Sloth World Orlando.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said 31 sloths died, and 13 were given to the Central Florida Zoo.

Among the sloths who were taken in at the Central Florida Zoo, two have since died. One sloth named Bandit died on April 29, and another named Habanero died over the weekend.

State and federal leaders have been pushing for accountability.

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 Attorney Monique Worrell released a statement, saying:

“The loss of these vulnerable animals is deeply troubling, and our office mourns alongside the community. We take seriously our responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, and we will do everything within our power to ensure accountability in this matter.

The Assistant State Attorney assigned to this matter immediately began seeking answers as soon as the reporting regarding the death of the sloths began. He reached out to Senior Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day based on their prior working relationship in animal cruelty cases during her time with this office to seek her perspective on the matter. This type of inter-agency collaboration is not uncommon, particularly in matters requiring specialized knowledge.

To be clear, neither the assigned ASA nor Ms. Day is investigating this matter. At this stage, they are in preliminary discussions about which law enforcement agency would be best suited to conduct an investigation, should one move forward. We do not have any information regarding an investigation that is currently underway.

The State Attorney’s Office serves a distinct and deliberate role in the criminal legal process: we do not investigate cases — we receive investigations from law enforcement, evaluate the evidence, and make prosecutorial decisions grounded in law and fact. That distinction matters, and it guides everything we do.

When we have more information to share, we will do so through the appropriate channels.”

State Rep. Anna Eskamani has also 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.

WESH 2 is following the investigation and will provide updates on air and online.