55 Sloths Died Before Sloth World Ever Opened in Orlando | What Happened? What's Next?
Investigators say more than 60 sloths were imported and 31 died, while officials examine possible neglect and oversight failures at the attraction.
- Florida officials have opened a criminal probe into the now-closed Sloth World following the deaths of dozens of sloths, with Attorney General James Uthmeier assisting the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida investigation.
- Records indicate Sloth World imported 61 sloths from the wild between December 2024 and March 2026, with 31 animals dying during shipments in December 2024 and February 2025.
- In August 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission performed an inspection but issued only a 'verbal warning' regarding cage sizes, later stating the facility met legal care standards.
- Demanding stricter legal oversight, Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani and Orange County officials seek accountability, with Eskamani calling the lack of action a 'disgrace to government.'
- The Central Florida Zoo took in 13 surviving sloths in April 2026, though officials report it remains unclear if any will survive; one sloth, Dumpling, recently succumbed after 11 days of care.
15 Articles
15 Articles
52 dead sloths: Inside Sloth World
More than 50 sloths were recently reported dead due to unsuitable conditions at Sloth World, a proposed so-called “slotharium” in Orlando, Florida. The facility—due to open this month—has permanently closed. Many of the animals had been sourced from the wild in Peru and Guyana, and died either during transport or in holding conditions, according to findings of an investigation by Inside Climate News. While the closure is a win for sloths, the ca…
Florida launches criminal investigation into Sloth World following numerous deaths
Florida has opened a criminal probe into Sloth World following the deaths of dozens of sloths at the closed Orlando operation. As Inside Climate News reported, the move marks a major escalation in scrutiny around the commercial wildlife trade and the companies profiting from up-close animal encounters. In a May 1 letter, Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office was helping the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida investigate the matter. I…
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