Sloth World in Orlando, FL was set to open in less than a month. Advertised as an “ethical, expert-led experience” for $49 where families could be immersed in the calming nature of sloths, it claimed it would educate with a “protected, research- informed habitat.” That was until they were faced with a lawsuit surrounding the death of 31 sloths; the death toll has now risen to around 50 sloths as investigations into Sloth World’s living and care conditions continue.
Known as the world’s first “slotharium,” Sloth World quickly became a disaster weeks before opening. On the first discovery, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reported the deaths of 31 sloths between 2024 and 2025. They stated that the possible cause was health and temperature issues. In December 2024, 15 two-toed sloths died from cold stun along with 6 three-toed sloths. 10 sloths arrived from Peru, with 2 already dead and 8 that shortly died from health complications. In addition to health problems related to facilities issues, a foreign virus known as, Gammaherpes infected many two-toed sloths.
Even though the sloths arrived during the cold period in Florida, it was too late to cancel the shipment. The report stated that space heaters were installed and had to be connected to another building. This caused the space heaters to trip a fuse and shut down one night leaving a lack of electricity, lighting, heat, and running water. The sloths suffered in harsh conditions, and there were also claims of abuse and mistreatment.
Previously, in August 2025, the FWC reported six two-toed sloths kept in cages that did not meet legal requirements. A verbal warning was issued after the inspection. Fox35 contacted the previous co-owner Benjamin Agresta who later released a statement saying, “We are aware of rumors such as claiming that our sloths were ‘cold-stunned’ or left without water and electricity. These claims are entirely false. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, conducted a thorough inspection of our facility just last week, found absolutely no wrongdoings, and fully renewed our license.” This directly contradicts FWC reports that stated Agresta lacked proper USDA licensure.
In April this year, the owner filed for bankruptcy after another 21 sloths died during the investigation. Sloth World was permanently closed.
In the wake of the investigations, the public advocated for a full ban on commercial sloth trade, stronger federal and international protections to close legal loopholes, and full accountability for those responsible for the deaths and suffering of the animals.
The remaining 13 sloths were transferred to Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden, and are currently receiving care under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. They cannot return to the wild, since many of them are in poor health, and of unclear origins. At time of publication, only 11 of the 13 sloths transferred from the closed Sloth World facility have survived relocation to the Central Florida Zoo, with all 11 stable but in intensive care.
