Sloth Deaths Prior to Florida Attraction Opening
Thirty-one sloths intended for a new "slothnarium" in Florida have died before the attraction's scheduled opening, according to findings by authorities.
The mammals were to be featured in a permanent public exhibit at Sloth World in Orlando, which was planned to open this spring.
Causes and Conditions of Deaths
Many of the sloths died due to conditions at a Florida warehouse where they had been shipped, as detailed in a report released on Friday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Additional sloths arrived in Florida already deceased or in poor health and subsequently died, the report states.
The owner of Sloth World has denied the allegations made in the report, stating there is "so much false and inaccurate information out there right now."
"The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy," Ben Agresta, the owner of Sloth World, told Fox-35 in Orlando.
The BBC has reached out to Sloth World, its listed owner, and representatives for comment.
Sloth World Description and Report Details
Sloth World is promoted as Orlando's only "slotharium," featuring a rainforest-inspired habitat "designed exclusively with sloth well-being in mind," according to its website.
The FWC report, obtained by the BBC on Friday, outlines two incidents of sloth deaths prior to the attraction's planned opening.
In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died due to cold conditions at a Florida warehouse where they were held, according to the FWC report.
In February 2025, two of ten sloths traveling from Peru arrived dead. The remaining eight appeared emaciated and later died due to poor health issues, the report states.
Investigation and Warehouse Conditions
When FWC investigators were notified and began their inquiry, Peter Bandre, listed online as the attraction's vice-president, informed them that the warehouse where the sloths died was not properly prepared to receive the animals.
Bandre told investigators: "It was too late to cancel the shipment."
He attributed their deaths to a "cold stun," the report adds.
The building lacked water and electricity, so space heaters were purchased to keep it warm for the animals. However, the heaters tripped a fuse and shut down, the report states.
Investigators found that for at least one night, the sloths were in the building without heat. The animals are native to tropical rainforests and typically live in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 86°F (21°C to 30°C).
The report notes the sloths arrived in Florida on 18 December 2024. Historical weather data shows lows reached 46°F (7°C) the following week.
Cage Conditions and Regulatory Findings
The FWC investigation also found that in two instances, sloths under Bandre's care were housed in cages that did not meet captive wildlife requirements. A verbal warning was issued at the time.
In its promotional material, Sloth World describes Bandre as "one of the most respected sloth experts in the world."
The FWC closed its investigations into the animal deaths without issuing a written warning or citation, an agency spokesperson told the BBC. However, several other regulatory bodies are conducting investigations, the spokesperson added.
Building Safety and Future of Attraction
On Thursday, Orange County's Building Safety office posted a stop work order at the warehouse where the animals had been housed. A report obtained by the BBC from the agency notes alleged violations of state building codes and county rules.
It remains unclear whether the attraction, located in a popular tourist corridor in Orlando, will open as planned later this year.
The FWC stated that the owner of Sloth World holds a permit for wildlife on file, which allows individuals or businesses to exhibit or sell wildlife.
Local media has reported that more than a dozen remaining sloths intended for the attraction are now being cared for by another zoo in Central Florida.
Reactions and Concerns from Lawmakers and Advocates
The revelations about Sloth World have drawn criticism from several lawmakers and animal rights advocates.
Florida state Representative Anna Eskamani said the case revealed a "major gap" in wildlife permits, noting that the FWC is not required to be notified of animal deaths.
"If it wasn't for everyday people who care and reported these deaths it's hard to know when FWC would have even learned about [the deaths]," the Democratic lawmaker added.
Over several months, the Sloth Conservation Foundation and the Sloth Institute had expressed concerns regarding Sloth World's planned opening.
"When removed from the forest canopy and shipped internationally to the US, sloths often suffer from serious health issues related to the change in suitable diet and exposure to an artificial environment," Sam Trull, executive director of The Sloth Institute, said.
"For a lot of captured sloths," he added, "this leads to their death."
