31 Sloths Taken from South America for Florida’s Sloth World Die Before Attraction Opens, Report Says

**Concerns Raised Over Sloth World Following Death of 31 Sloths in Orlando Facility**

Sloth World, a much-anticipated attraction in Orlando touted as the world’s only “slothnarium,” has come under scrutiny following a report indicating that at least 31 sloths have died in its facility. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), the facility, which has yet to formally open to the public, is operated by Benjamin Agresta and Peter Bandre, who are facing allegations regarding the treatment and care of these animals.

The FWC’s report, obtained by news outlet Inside Climate News, details an inspection conducted at the facility on 8 August 2024. During this unannounced visit, officials found that the sloths—both two-toed and three-toed—were being housed in a warehouse-type building that lacked essential requirements for animal welfare. Specifically, it was noted that the cages did not meet the legal standards for captive wildlife, prompting a verbal warning to the facility’s management.

Sloth World has marketed itself as an educational establishment aiming to provide a safe and research-informed habitat for sloths, with a planned opening that was once set for late April 2024. The website claims that the aim is to create an indoor rainforest environment where visitors can interact with sloths in a non-contact, ethical manner. However, the unsettling information regarding sloth fatalities has raised significant alarm among animal welfare advocates and potential visitors.

Following the August inspection, the FWC noted that the facility was home to six two-toed sloths at that time. Bandre, who was managing the facility, explained that shipments of sloths had been received just before the inspection—one batch arriving from Guyana and another from Peru. According to the report, conditions at the facility were inadequate, leading to tragic consequences.

The FWC’s report indicates that the Guyana sloths were affected by a “cold stun,” an unfortunate circumstance arising due to a power outage that rendered space heaters ineffective during a cold spell in Florida. Temperatures reportedly dropped to 46 degrees, with staff absent for a period, contributing to the death of the sloths. Additionally, two dead sloths were noted from the Peru shipment, while the remaining eight were said to have arrived in poor condition.

Despite these serious claims, the FWC has not imposed any penalties related to the deaths. While they did issue a warning for the uncompliant cages, they left the facility without further action, leading to questions regarding accountability and oversight.

In response to the FWC’s findings, Benjamin Agresta has dismissed the reports of sloth deaths as “completely fiction.” He contends that the conditions described by the FWC do not reflect the reality of their facility. Agresta’s former partner Bandre, who now identifies as a “previous co-owner,” echoed his remarks, stating that their facility had been combating a foreign virus affecting their animals. According to Bandre, the claims of neglect, such as being “cold-stunned,” have no basis in truth.

Reports suggest that Sloth World has continued to admit new animals despite the earlier losses, with at least 38 sloths added to the facility since the noted fatalities. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is said to be engaging with Sloth World to investigate ongoing animal health issues, indicating a broader concern regarding the management of exotic species in captivity.

Beyond local investigators, animal conservation bodies such as The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and The Sloth Institute (TSI) have also commented critically on Sloth World’s practices. Both organisations highlighted that some of the sloths are wild-caught, a practice that while not illegal, has serious implications for their health and wellbeing. They stress that these animals often suffer from significant health issues once removed from their natural habitats due to changes in diet and environment.

Sam Trull, co-founder of TSI, pointed out that many sloths die after being captured and shipped, underscoring the challenges faced by these creatures during such transitions. The organisations are calling for greater transparency and adherence to welfare standards in exotic animal care.

As Sloth World approaches its anticipated opening, the mounting concerns surrounding animal welfare and management practices are prompting calls for a thorough evaluation of its operational standards and commitments to ethical wildlife care. The establishment’s future, along with the health and safety of its inhabitants, remains uncertain as investigations continue.