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What Happened at Sloth World Orlando?
More than 30 sloths destined for a planned Florida attraction called Sloth World have died in a cold, unheated warehouse near Orlando, according to a report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The tragedy, which unfolded between December 2024 and February 2025, has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and prompted a congressional investigation.
The first shipment of 21 Hoffmann's two-toed sloths arrived from Guyana in December 2024. They were housed in a warehouse that lacked running water and electricity. Space heaters powered by extension cords from a neighboring building tripped a fuse, leaving the animals without heat on a night when temperatures dropped to around 46°F (7°C). Sloths require ambient temperatures between 70°F and 86°F (21°C to 30°C). The FWC report stated that the sloths died from a 'cold stun' due to hypothermia.
In February 2025, another shipment of 10 sloths from Peru arrived at the same facility. Two were already dead upon arrival, and the remaining eight died shortly after from severe emaciation and health complications. Necropsies later revealed the presence of a novel gammaherpesvirus, but the FWC concluded the primary cause of death was environmental neglect.
Owner Denies Wrongdoing, Blames Virus
Sloth World owner Ben Agresta has denied that cold temperatures caused the deaths. Speaking to local Fox affiliate Fox35 Orlando, Agresta said: 'The sloths had a virus under the members where the symptoms were barely visible, not even after the autopsy.' He claimed the facility was not ready to receive the animals but that it was too late to cancel the shipments.
The FWC, however, found no evidence of intentional misconduct. The agency noted that the building had no running water or electricity, that cages did not meet minimum standards, and that the space heaters were inadequate. Despite the findings, no fines were issued, and the FWC issued only a verbal warning, citing a lack of 'intentional wrongdoing.'
Congressional Investigation and Public Outcry
U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost, whose district includes Orlando, has launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement, Frost said: 'It is unacceptable that 31 innocent animals died due to gross negligence, and no one is held accountable. We must close the loopholes that allow this to happen.'
The case has drawn attention to the largely unregulated world of exotic animal attractions in Florida. Unlike zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), facilities like Sloth World operate under less stringent oversight. The Florida exotic animal regulations have been criticized for failing to prevent such tragedies.
Surviving Sloths Moved to Central Florida Zoo
Thirteen sloths survived the ordeal. They have been transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, where they will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days. The zoo is working with the AZA to find long-term placements for the animals. The surviving sloths include both Hoffmann's two-toed sloths and Linnaeus's two-toed sloths.
Agresta has announced that Sloth World will file for bankruptcy and will never open. The company had imported at least 69 wild-caught sloths, and the fate of approximately 24 animals remains unknown. Conservation groups like The Sloth Institute and The Sloth Conservation Foundation have called for stronger enforcement of wildlife import and welfare laws.
Why Are Sloths Vulnerable to Cold?
Sloths are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where temperatures remain warm year-round. Their slow metabolism means they cannot generate body heat efficiently. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 70°F can lead to hypothermia, respiratory infections, and death. The FWC report noted that the warehouse temperature was measured at around 46°F, far below the sloths' tolerance range.
Key Factors in the Sloth Deaths
- Temperature: Warehouse at 46°F; sloths need 70–86°F.
- Facility: No running water, no electricity, inadequate heating.
- Cages: Did not meet minimum size and safety standards.
- Transit stress: Wild-caught animals shipped from Guyana and Peru without proper acclimation.
- Regulatory gaps: FWC issued no fines; only a verbal warning.
FAQ: Sloth World Deaths
How many sloths died at Sloth World?
At least 31 sloths died between December 2024 and February 2025. Twenty-one died from cold exposure in December 2024, and 10 died in February 2025 (two dead on arrival, eight later).
Why did the sloths die?
The FWC report concluded the primary cause was 'cold stun' due to hypothermia after space heaters failed. The warehouse had no running water or electricity, and temperatures dropped to 46°F.
Will Sloth World still open?
No. Owner Ben Agresta has announced the company will file for bankruptcy and the attraction will never open.
What happened to the surviving sloths?
Thirteen surviving sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they are in quarantine and receiving veterinary care.
Was anyone held accountable?
The FWC issued no fines and only a verbal warning, stating there was no intentional misconduct. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost has launched an investigation into the incident and broader exotic pet trade regulations.
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