Former Sloth World president calls for stricter rules in Florida ahead of FWC meeting | Exclusive
Benjamin Agresta, former president of Sloth World in Orlando, has urged Florida wildlife officials to tighten regulations for sloth care after multiple animal deaths from a fatal virus
Benjamin Agresta, the former president of Sloth World in Orlando, has sent a letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urging stricter rules for keeping sloths in captivity following the deaths of multiple animals from a fatal virus.
>> Video above: Orange County deputies conclude investigation into Sloth World
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office described the virus as fatal, and Agresta’s letter includes 10 recommendations aimed at improving sloth care.
Agresta is calling for mandatory reporting of sloth deaths within 12 hours, including veterinary records and necropsy results, as well as inspections of facilities before they are licensed to house wildlife.
The letter also calls for public disclosure of where zoo animals come from and a ban on members of the public touching or feeding sloths during “sloth encounters.”
Agresta is asking FWC to prohibit sloths from being transported around Florida for public shows and tours, arguing that the travel itself can cause excessive stress. He also wants the results of animal necropsies performed by the state to be made public, including when the animal came from an out-of-state facility.
Agresta wrote that two FWC investigations, along with a review by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, found that Sloth World employees and managers did everything possible for the animals, but the virus could not be treated or identified before necropsy.
Florida is proposing new rules for sloth care, and the public can participate in a virtual meeting hosted by FWC on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.