An animal facility in Orlando, Florida, was shut down before it even opened after dozens of sloths suffered a cruel death while being prepared for display in an exhibit.<\/p>\n
Thirty-one sloths died in transit and in the care of Sloth World Orlando ahead of the attraction\u2019s grand opening, according to a report<\/a> by state wildlife officials. The sloths were brought in from Guyana and Peru, and the majority of them died in a warehouse that was reportedly not well equipped to house the animals.<\/p>\n The deaths took place between December 2024 and February 2025. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) later uncovered the incident during an unannounced routine inspection in August 2025, which led to an investigation.<\/p>\n Sloth tragedy <\/p>\n Sloth World is described<\/a> as an indoor 7,500-square-foot facility designed to house 40 sloths across multiple species. The tourist attraction had placed an order for 21 sloths from Guyana, 15 two-toed sloths and six three-toed sloths, which arrived in December 2024.<\/p>\n Before the sloths arrived in Orlando, the building at Sloth World did not have electricity or water and was not ready to receive the animals, according to the report. It was, however, too late to cancel the shipment. Sloth World had purchased multiple space heaters to keep the sloths warm, but they had to be powered with an extension cord from another building. The heaters tripped a fuse, and the sloths were kept in the building for at least one night without heat, the investigation found.<\/p>\n Sloths are highly sensitive to temperatures and need warm, humid conditions in order to survive. In the report, Sloth World told the FWC that all 21 sloths died from a \u201ccold stun\u201d while being kept at a warehouse at the facility.<\/p>\n Sloth World ordered another 10 sloths from Peru, which arrived in February 2025. Upon arrival, however, two were already dead, and the remaining eight sloths died later due to health complications, according to the report.<\/p>\n At the time of the inspection, wildlife officials found six sloths still living in the warehouse. The officials noted in the report that the cages in which the sloths were being kept did not meet proper regulations.<\/p>\n In response to the report, Sloth World denied allegations of neglect. \u201cThere is so much false and inaccurate information out there right now,\u201d Ben Agresta, the owner of Sloth World Orlando, is quoted<\/a> in Fox 35 as saying. \u201cThe truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll we wanted was for the betterment of sloths by learning as much as we can and teaching the world about them\u2026Nothing we could have done could prevent an unknown virus,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Sloth World no more <\/p>\n The FWC closed the investigation into the 31 deaths, issuing a verbal warning to Sloth World without any fines or citations. Sloth World was scheduled to open to the public later this month, but reports are suggesting that the attraction has permanently shut down.<\/p>\n The Sloth Conservation Foundation issued<\/a> an update claiming that Sloth World was permanently closed and the remaining sloths were transferred to accredited institutions. Officials at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens said that 13 sloths were rescued from Sloth World and transferred to their care on Friday, The National News Desk reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n The sloths are currently being monitored while receiving treatment from veterinary and animal care teams and are showing early signs of improvement, according to their keepers. The staff at the zoo said that many of the sloths were dehydrated and underweight, and several of the animals were in critical condition when they arrived.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Sloth World\u2019s website reads, \u201cPardon our dust! We\u2019re working on something amazing\u2014check back soon!\u201d<\/p>\n