Florida wildlife officials are investigating the deaths of 31 sloths at a warehouse in Orlando that was intended to house them before opening as part of Sloth World attraction. The deaths occurred between December 2024 and February 2025 due to cold exposure, poor health, and inadequate facilities.
Key Takeaways
31 sloths died at an Orlando warehouse meant to house them before Sloth World's opening due to cold exposure and poor health. The facility lacked proper permits and basic amenities like water and power. Sloth World has canceled plans to open, and its owner is filing for bankruptcy.
The incident report from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed that 21 two-toed sloths from Guyana died from 'cold stun' after temporary heaters failed. The warehouse had no water or power of its own, and the heaters were run by extension cables from a neighboring building.
The other 10 sloths came in a shipment from Peru. Two were found dead on arrival, and the others succumbed to 'poor health issues' after appearing emaciated. The facility's then owner, Peter Bandre, told inspectors that the warehouse was not ready for the incoming sloths but it was too late to cancel the shipment.
Sloth World's current owner Ben Agresta has denied allegations in the report and stated there is 'so much false and inaccurate information out there right now.' He claimed that the sloths had a virus showing barely any symptoms, even after necropsy. The FWC closed its investigations into the animal deaths without issuing a written warning or citation.
The episode has prompted calls from animal advocacy groups for Orange County officials to halt Sloth World’s planned opening next month and for a wider inquiry into the permitting process for importing wild animals. Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Democrat representing central Florida, said his office is looking into the tragedy and joining local officials in investigating the $49-a-ticket attraction.
Sloth World's website describes it as 'the planet’s only slotharium,' where guests step into 'a rainforest-inspired indoor habitat.' However, a building inspector for Orange County visited the warehouse on Thursday and issued a 'stop work' order after finding nobody there. The FWC did not issue fines or citations but gave a verbal warning for a 'captive wildlife discrepancy.'
According to UPI, Sloth World Orlando had imported at least 69 wild-caught sloths that it planned to put on display in an educational 'slotharium.' However, an investigation by The Sloth Conservation Foundation, The Sloth Institute and investigative reporters found the animals were being mistreated and dying. Orange County building inspectors posted a stop-work order due to alterations made without permits.
Ben Agresta told Fox35 Orlando that he has ended plans for the slotharium and plans to file for bankruptcy after it was forced to give up its 13 surviving sloths. The 13 sloths will live at the Central Florida Zoo until the Association of Zoos and Aquariums can help find long-term homes for them.
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