Florida prosecutors launch criminal investigation into deaths of 31 sloths

Florida prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of 31 South American sloths. The animals, imported for a planned Orlando theme park called Sloth World, died in an unheated warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission report revealed the deaths, which came to light after an unannounced inspection in August 2025. One of 13 other rescued sloths was euthanized due to poor health. The theme park's owner has reportedly filed for bankruptcy and abandoned opening plans. State Attorney General James Uthmeier stated his office is assisting in the investigation, which seeks accountability for the animals' deaths and their seizure from their natural habitat. Questions have also been raised about the permits granted for the animals' import and the park's approval.

Thirty-one sloths intended for a new attraction called Sloth World in Orlando, Florida, died before its planned spring opening. A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) indicates that many of the animals died due to conditions at a warehouse where they were housed after being shipped. Some sloths were reportedly dead upon arrival or arrived in poor health and subsequently died. The owner of Sloth World has disputed the FWC's findings, attributing the deaths to an undetectable virus. The FWC report details two separate incidents of sloth deaths occurring prior to the attraction's opening.

Florida officials are investigating the planned "Sloth World" attraction in Orlando after 31 sloths died in a warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025. The sloths were imported from Peru and Guyana for the attraction. According to an incident report, 21 sloths from Guyana died from "cold stun" due to heater failure in the unpowered warehouse, while 10 from Peru died from poor health and emaciation. The facility's owner cited equipment failure and poor health as causes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued a verbal warning for a "captive wildlife discrepancy" but no fines. Animal advocacy groups and a congressman are calling for the attraction's opening to be halted and for an inquiry into the wild animal import process.