Florida Zoo Receives 13 ‘Underweight’ Sloths from Sloth World Following Reports of 31 Animal Deaths at the Attraction’s Orlando Facility

Thirteen sloths have been relocated from the controversial Sloth World attraction in Orlando to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Their arrival on 24 April was met with immediate veterinary attention, revealing that most of the animals were suffering from dehydration and being underweight. Despite these concerns, the zoo has reported initial improvements in their condition.

The sloths, which are now in quarantine, will remain under the zoo’s care for at least 30 days. A spokesperson confirmed that one of the animals is receiving critical care and currently remains in intensive treatment. “Our keepers are feeling cautiously optimistic about their progress,” the spokesperson stated. “However, the situation is delicate, and we are taking it one step at a time.”

This transfer occurs in the wake of significant scrutiny regarding Sloth World, which has yet to officially open to the public. Owned by Benjamin Agresta, the facility has faced harsh criticism due to a history of animal deaths associated with its operations. Reports indicate that 31 sloth fatalities occurred at a warehouse previously used for housing these animals while waiting for the attraction’s opening.

In a detailed incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), it was revealed that between December 2024 and February 2025, multiple sloths died due to potential complications related to their care. The report cited an inspection in August 2025, during which officials found that living conditions at the warehouse failed to meet legal requirements. Two of the sloths were housed in inadequate cages, prompting a warning from authorities.

According to this report, Agresta’s former co-owner, Peter Bandre, explained that a shipment of sloths from Guyana had suffered illnesses from a “cold stun” after arriving in Florida. Bandre asserted that the warehouse was ill-equipped for the sloths’ arrival, lacking power and water during a cold spell. Additionally, he claimed space heaters malfunctioned, leaving the animals unprotected from the harsh temperatures.

Another shipment of sloths from Peru reportedly fared poorly, with several animals dying shortly after arrival. In light of these incidents, the FWC has noted that Sloth World received additional shipments of sloths after the troubling reports, increasing concerns over the ongoing oversight of animal welfare at the facility.

Reactions from Sloth World have been mixed. Bandre has vehemently denied allegations raised in the FWC’s reports, claiming that the facility has battled a foreign virus and has been devoting substantial efforts to improve animal care. Despite claims of negligence, he insists that recent inspections have shown no wrongdoing, and the facility’s licensing has been renewed.

In a broader context, the Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute announced that Sloth World intends to permanently close, despite never having opened to the public. The attraction’s website remains operational, albeit with minimal updates, stating it is “working on something amazing.” The FWC has yet to receive any formal notification regarding the closure of Sloth World.

The situation has drawn widespread attention on animal welfare practices, with the zoo emphasising the importance of a supportive environment for the sloths under their care. The Central Florida Zoo is committed to providing the necessary resources and expertise to ensure the animals’ recovery.

As the sloths continue their quarantine and rehabilitation, their fate underscores the vital importance of animal care standards and the responsibilities of attractions that house wildlife. The story of these sloths serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for transparency and accountability within animal care facilities.