Central Florida Zoo is caring for surviving animals from \u201cSloth World\u201d after at least 31 deaths tied to cold exposure, neglect and poor conditions.<\/p>\n
Published Apr 28, 2026 12:12 PM CDT\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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Updated Apr 28, 2026 12:54 PM CDT\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\tA rescued sloth at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, on April 27, 2026.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tThirteen sloths rescued from an Orlando<\/a>, Florida, attraction are now in stable condition after their first days of care, offering a glimmer of hope in a case that has drawn national attention following the deaths of at least 31 animals.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/a> in Sanford<\/a> said its veterinary team has been closely monitoring the animals since they arrived last week from the shuttered \u201cSloth World\u201d operation. Initial assessments found many of the sloths were dehydrated and underweight, with several requiring critical care. Still, all 13 survived their first 24 hours and are now eating and drinking, though challenges remain.\n<\/p>\n \n\tA sloth named “Bandit” is in guarded conditions and faces more difficulties with his health, according to the Zoo.\n<\/p>\n \n\tA rescued sloth named Bandit eats a carrot at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, on April 27, 2026.\n<\/p>\n \n\t“Showing signs of lethargy, dehydration, and nutritional and electrolyte imbalances, as well as GI issues, he has yet to climb up onto a perch to hang and has remained down on the ground since he arrived,” the Zoo said on Monday.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe animals are being kept in quarantine for at least 30 days while staff provide round-the-clock treatment and evaluate their long-term needs.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe rescue follows mounting scrutiny of Sloth World, a planned Orlando tourist attraction on International Drive that never opened. Investigations found that more than 31 sloths imported for the exhibit died between late 2024 and early 2025 while being housed in a warehouse with inadequate conditions, as first reported by Inside Climate News.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n\tAccording to an incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, many of the deaths were linked to \u201ccold stun\u201d during a winter cold spell when heating systems failed. Others were reported to be in poor health or emaciated.\n<\/p>\n \n\tSloths are native to the warm rainforests of Central and South America. When temperatures drop, their bodies can\u2019t function properly, leading to digestive shutdown or what\u2019s known as cold stunning.\n<\/p>\n \n\tTwo rescued sloths receive care at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, on April 27, 2026.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe deaths, along with reports of a lack of proper utilities and oversight, sparked public outrage and prompted authorities to halt the project before it could open.\n<\/p>\n \n\tZoo officials said they stepped in after being asked to take the surviving animals, emphasizing their experience caring for sloths and commitment to giving them the best chance at recovery.\n<\/p>\n \n\tFor now, the focus remains on rehabilitation, with cautious optimism that the rescued sloths can recover.\n<\/p>\n