Tragic Loss: Thirty-One Sloths Perish Before Florida Attraction Opens

Sat Apr 25 2026 18:52:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A disastrous turn of events leads to the death of 31 sloths destined for a new attraction in Orlando, raising concerns about animal welfare and transport conditions.

Before the anticipated opening of Sloth World in Orlando, 31 sloths have died under troubling circumstances. Most of the sloths, shipped from Guyana and Peru, succumbed to poor health and inadequate conditions in a warehouse. Investigations are ongoing amidst criticism of animal care standards and wildlife regulations.

Thirty-one sloths planned for a new slothnarium in Florida died before the attraction's planned opening, authorities have found.

The mammals were slated to be showcased at Sloth World in Orlando, intended to open this spring.

Many of the sloths died due to conditions at a Florida warehouse where they had been shipped, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report released on Friday. Others arrived in Florida already dead or appeared in ill health and later died, the report states.

The owner of Sloth World has denied allegations in the report and said there was so much false and inaccurate information out there right now.

Ben Agresta, the owner of Sloth World, told Fox-35 in Orlando, The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy.

The BBC has contacted Sloth World, along with its listed owner and representatives.

Sloth World is advertised as Orlando's only slotharium, with a rainforest-inspired habitat designed exclusively with sloth wellbeing in mind, according to its website.

The report from the FWC outlines two instances of the mammals dying ahead of the attraction's planned opening. In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died due to cold conditions at a warehouse in Florida. Then, in February 2025, two of 10 sloths traveling from Peru arrived dead, and the remaining eight later succumbed to poor health.

Investigators found that the owner stated the warehouse was not properly set to receive the animals. It was too late to cancel the shipment, he said, attributing sloth deaths to a cold stun.

The building had no water or electricity, and space heaters purchased to maintain warmth failed, leaving sloths exposed to low temperatures.

FWC's investigation revealed instances where sloths were held in inappropriate conditions, prompting verbal warnings but not formal citations. Additionally, concerns were raised about the wildlife permit processes in Florida after this incident came to light.

Local reports indicate remaining sloths are now housed in a different zoo, as critics call for stricter regulations and oversight in wildlife transit and care.

Lawmakers voiced concerns over regulatory gaps and the necessity for accountability in wildlife permits, raising questions about the future of Sloth World and its ethical implications.

The tragic events have raised alarms about the welfare of animals in captivity and the risks inherent in international wildlife transportation.