ORLANDO, Fla. (CBS12) — 13 sloths rescued from Orlando’s “Sloth World,” where 31 animals died, have now survived a second night in rehabilitation, with one still in serious condition.
Officials at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens say the sloths, transported to their care on Friday, are receiving round-the-clock monitoring and treatment from veterinary and animal care teams. Keepers say they are “cautiously optimistic” as the animals show early signs of improvement, though recovery is expected to take time.
Zoo staff said many of the sloths arrived dehydrated and underweight, with several in more critical condition. All 13 made it through their first 24 hours after intake and have now passed a second night under close supervision in a specialized quarantine environment.
The update comes as scrutiny intensifies over Orlando’s “Sloth World,” where at least 31 sloths died inside a warehouse not approved for animal use, according to previous reports. Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost has been pushing for federal action, calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deny permits for the attraction.
See also: 31 Sloths Dead: The fight to shut down Orlando’s ‘Sloth World’ before it opens
According to CBS12 News partners at the Orlando Sentinel, those efforts have paid off.
The planned International Drive attraction in Orlando will reportedly no longer open following the deaths, with conservation groups saying the project is closing permanently.
The Zoo stated in a release that they expect the sloths to remain in quarantine for at least 30 days as they recover.
While recent inspections have noted improved conditions at the facility, federal regulators have not yet announced a final decision on any pending permits.
Zoo officials say care for the rescued sloths remains ongoing, with teams taking recovery “one step at a time.”