Ask Onix
Sloth deaths mar planned Orlando attraction
Thirty-one sloths intended for a new Orlando slotharium died before the exhibit's scheduled spring launch, according to a Florida wildlife agency report released Friday.
Investigation reveals fatal conditions
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) found that many of the mammals perished due to inadequate conditions at a Florida warehouse where they were housed. Others arrived dead or in failing health, the report stated.
In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died after exposure to cold temperatures in a warehouse lacking proper heating. Historical weather records show nighttime lows dropped to 46°F (7°C) that week-far below the 70-86°F (21-30°C) range sloths require.
Two months later, two of ten sloths transported from Peru arrived dead. The remaining eight, described as emaciated, later succumbed to health complications.
Warehouse conditions scrutinized
Peter Bandre, listed as Sloth World's vice president, told investigators the warehouse was unprepared to receive the animals. He said space heaters were used to warm the facility but failed when a fuse tripped, leaving the sloths without heat for at least one night.
The FWC also noted that cages housing the sloths did not meet state wildlife requirements. A verbal warning was issued at the time.
Owner disputes findings
Ben Agresta, Sloth World's owner, denied the report's allegations, telling Fox-35 Orlando that the sloths died from an undetectable virus with minimal symptoms. "There is so much false and inaccurate information out there right now," he said.
The BBC has reached out to Sloth World and its representatives for comment.
Regulatory fallout and delays
The FWC closed its investigation without issuing a citation but confirmed other agencies are reviewing the case. Orange County's Building Safety office posted a stop-work order at the warehouse Thursday, citing alleged violations of state and county building codes.
It remains unclear whether Sloth World, located in a busy Orlando tourist area, will open as planned. Local media reported that over a dozen surviving sloths are now under the care of another Central Florida zoo.
Criticism from lawmakers and advocates
Florida state Representative Anna Eskamani called the incident a "major gap" in wildlife permitting, noting that the FWC is not required to be notified of animal deaths. "If it weren't for concerned citizens reporting this, we might never have known," she said.
Animal welfare groups, including the Sloth Conservation Foundation and the Sloth Institute, had previously raised concerns about the exhibit. Sam Trull, executive director of the Sloth Institute, said sloths often suffer fatal health issues when removed from their natural habitat and shipped internationally.
"For a lot of captured sloths, this leads to their death."
Sam Trull, Sloth Institute
