ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Nearly a year after the Sloth World controversy sparked outrage across Central Florida, Orange County leaders are exploring whether they can prevent a similar situation from happening again.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Orange County commissioners held a discussion on a potential countywide prohibition involving the use of exotic wildlife for commercial entertainment. Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who requested the discussion, said the goal is to identify what authority the county has to regulate businesses that use exotic animals for profit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is sad that this wasn\u2019t happening this time last year, but it didn\u2019t,\u201d Wilson told News 6 after Tuesday\u2019s meeting. \u201cMostly because of those gaps and oversight in these laws… We really had to wait for the fallout to get as bad as it did to understand exactly where the county could have a place in this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson emphasized that any future ordinance would not target every organization that works with exotic animals.<\/p>\n
Instead, she said the proposal would likely include exemptions for accredited zoos, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary care providers and educational or conservation organizations. The focus, she said, is on preventing exotic wildlife from being used for commercial entertainment.<\/p>\n
During Tuesday\u2019s discussion, commissioners also raised concerns about public tourism dollars that had been used to promote Sloth World before the attraction was shut down. Visit Orlando had promoted the attraction using Tourist Development Tax-funded marketing before concerns surrounding the facility became public.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a worthwhile discussion,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cWhat they do needs to align with the morals and values of Orange County and Orange County government. If we\u2019re trying to get to potential animal cruelty through ordinances, we better make sure everyone\u2019s on the same page and how they approach businesses and business models.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sloth World, founded by Ben Agresta, was planned as an interactive attraction on International Drive where visitors could meet and hold sloths.<\/p>\n
However, the attraction never opened to the public.<\/p>\n
State records and inspections showed the animals were housed at an Orange County warehouse while the attraction was under construction. Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found the animals were being kept in metal cages with inadequate air circulation and identified multiple concerns with the facility.<\/p>\n
In total, 55 sloths died after being imported into Florida, prompting investigations by multiple agencies and drawing international attention from wildlife conservation advocates.<\/p>\n
The surviving sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Seminole County. Eight sloths remain in the zoo\u2019s care, where they have completed quarantine but continue to be monitored by the veterinary team.<\/p>\n
Wilson said the controversy continues to motivate her push for policy changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a very emotional topic,\u201d she said. \u201cThe lessons learned there are really horrific for everyone. If there is an opportunity for them to actually be penalized more than what we\u2019ve seen, I\u2019m going to continue to support that because I do believe people need to be held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tuesday\u2019s discussion did not result in a vote on a new ordinance.<\/p>\n
Instead, county commissioners directed the county attorney\u2019s office to research what legal authority Orange County has to regulate exotic wildlife businesses, draft potential language and identify any legal limitations under state law.<\/p>\n
Wilson said she expects the proposal to return to the board later this year for additional discussion and possible action.<\/p>\n
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