31 Sloths Die Before Florida 'Slothnarium' Opens Amid Controversy

Thirty-one sloths destined for a new Florida attraction called Sloth World have died before the venue's scheduled opening this spring. Many of the animals perished due to harsh conditions at a Florida warehouse, while others arrived already in poor health or dead, according to a recent investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The incident has sparked widespread concern about the treatment of exotic animals in captivity and exposed potential gaps in wildlife regulation. With multiple agencies now investigating, the future of Sloth World remains uncertain as lawmakers and animal advocates call for greater accountability.

How Did the Sloths Die? A Closer Look at the Warehouse Conditions

The FWC report reveals that 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died in December 2024 due to exposure to cold temperatures at a Florida warehouse. The building lacked proper heating, water, and electricity, forcing staff to use space heaters that failed and left the animals in dangerously low temperatures overnight. Sloths, native to tropical rainforests, typically thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 86°F, but the warehouse experienced lows as cold as 46°F.

In a separate incident in February 2025, two of ten sloths arriving from Peru were found dead upon arrival, while the remaining eight appeared emaciated and later died from poor health. The warehouse’s inadequate conditions and failure to meet captive wildlife standards were cited as contributing factors.

Sloth World’s Response and Ongoing Investigations

Ben Agresta, owner of Sloth World, denied allegations of negligence, attributing the deaths to a virus that was difficult to detect even after necropsy. Meanwhile, Peter Bandre, the attraction’s vice-president, acknowledged the warehouse was ill-prepared but said it was too late to cancel the shipment.

The FWC closed its investigation without issuing citations, but other regulatory bodies, including Orange County’s Building Safety office, have taken action. A stop work order was placed on the warehouse due to alleged building code violations, casting doubt on whether Sloth World will open as planned.

Animal Welfare Concerns and Public Outcry

The deaths have drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups and lawmakers. Florida state Representative Anna Eskamani highlighted a 'major gap' in wildlife permit oversight, noting that authorities were not automatically informed of the sloths’ deaths and that public reports were crucial to uncovering the situation.

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. For a lot of captured sloths, this leads to their death.—Sam Trull, Executive Director of The Sloth Institute

What’s Next for Sloth World and the Remaining Animals?

More than a dozen surviving sloths have been transferred to a Central Florida zoo for care. The future of Sloth World remains uncertain amid ongoing investigations and regulatory scrutiny. The case has ignited calls for stricter regulations to protect exotic animals and ensure their welfare in captivity.