Florida prosecutors launch criminal investigation into deaths of 31 sloths
Summary
Florida prosecutors have started a criminal investigation into the deaths of 31 sloths intended for a new theme park in Orlando called Sloth World. The sloths, taken from South America, died in an unheated warehouse, and authorities are looking into possible animal welfare violations and regulatory oversight.Key Facts
- Thirty-one sloths from Peru and Guyana died between December 2024 and February 2025 in an unheated warehouse.
- The sloths were to be displayed at Sloth World, a planned Orlando tourist attraction that has since filed for bankruptcy.
- The Central Florida Zoo has taken in 13 sloths rescued from the warehouse; one had to be euthanized due to poor health.
- Florida’s attorney general said his office is helping with an ongoing criminal investigation alongside local prosecutors.
- State permits allowed the import of the animals, but questions have arisen about how the permits and the theme park’s approval were granted.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission found several sloths died from viral infections and diseases, but a clear cause of death was not determined.
- Sloth World’s facilities are now closed, no sloths remain there, and investigators are working with the owner to surrender permits.
- Officials became aware of the situation after a surprise inspection in August 2025.
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