In a dramatic rescue operation, 13 malnourished sloths were saved from the remnants of a failed Florida tourist attraction, Sloth World Orlando, after an investigation revealed that 31 of the animals had died under its care before the business could even open to the public. The sloths, including one in serious condition and another that is pregnant, were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Friday and are now receiving round-the-clock veterinary care. Officials at the zoo reported on Sunday that all 13 two-toed sloths had survived a second night of rehabilitation, showing initial signs of improvement despite arriving dehydrated and underweight.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has taken temporary ownership of the wide-eyed mammals, placing them in a 30-day quarantine where they are eating and drinking properly under close supervision. Zoo staff indicated that the animals will receive ongoing treatment as needed, with plans underway to relocate them to a long-term home at an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility. This intervention came just a day after Orange County officials issued a stop-work order to Sloth World Orlando, located on Orlando's bustling International Drive, following a probe by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Sloth World Orlando, billed as the world's first "slotharium," never welcomed a single visitor despite ambitious plans to educate the public about the slow-moving creatures. Owner Ben Agresta confirmed on Friday that the attraction would not open and that the business was preparing to file for bankruptcy protection. "It’s been rough on everybody. We expect to go under the bankruptcy immediately as with our sloth population in full control by AZA and no plans to open, we have no other options," Agresta told FOX 35 Orlando.
The troubles at Sloth World began in December 2024, when the first shipment of over 20 sloths arrived from Guyana. These animals were housed in an off-site warehouse just two minutes from the planned attraction site, a facility that reportedly lacked electricity and running water at the time of their arrival. According to reports, the sloths suffered from a "cold stun" in Florida's winter chill, leading to the deaths of 21 of them. An anonymous former owner of the attraction told The New York Post that space heaters had been purchased and powered via an extension cord from a nearby building, but a tripped fuse contributed to the fatalities.
Months later, a second shipment of sloths arrived from Peru. The FWC report detailed that two were found dead upon arrival, with the remaining eight succumbing soon after, appearing "emaciated and in very poor health." In total, the investigation uncovered that 31 sloths had perished in the care of Sloth World Orlando before any public operations could begin. Conservationists and animal rights activists expressed outrage over the conditions, with U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) posting on X that the sloths "were put in the worst conditions possible."
Agresta, in a lengthy statement released on Friday, pushed back against the criticism, attributing the deaths to an "unknown virus" rather than negligence. "There is so much false and inaccurate information out there right now. The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy," he said, according to FOX 35. He emphasized the intentions behind the project, adding, "None of our staff did anything to ever harm an animal and do not have anything but love and compassion for them. All we wanted was for the betterment of sloths by learning as much as we can and teaching the world about them."
"All of us have conservation at our hearts, coupled with education. Nothing we could have done could prevent an unknown virus," Agresta continued in his statement.
The FWC's findings, however, painted a different picture, highlighting inadequate housing and care as key factors in the sloths' poor health upon arrival and subsequent deaths. The warehouse conditions, including the absence of basic utilities, were cited as particularly concerning. While Agresta maintained that the virus was the sole culprit, the FWC report made no mention of such an infection, focusing instead on the animals' emaciated states and the environmental shortcomings.
Sloth World Orlando's concept had generated buzz in Orlando's competitive tourism landscape, where attractions like theme parks draw millions annually to the area. International Drive, a hotspot for visitors, is lined with hotels, shops, and entertainment venues, making the proposed slotharium a potentially unique draw. Yet, from the outset, the project faced skepticism from wildlife experts who questioned the ethics of importing and housing exotic sloths for public interaction. Sloths, native to Central and South American rainforests, are known for their specialized needs, including high-humidity environments and specific diets that mimic their arboreal lifestyles.
The rescue operation involved coordination between local authorities, the FWC, and the Central Florida Zoo, located in Sanford, about 20 miles north of Orlando. Zoo spokesperson Ashley Bavis noted in a news release that the sloths' transfer was seamless, with veterinary teams immediately assessing their conditions. One sloth remains in serious condition, requiring more intensive care, while the pregnant individual is being monitored closely to ensure a safe delivery. The zoo's involvement underscores its role as a regional leader in wildlife rehabilitation, having previously cared for a variety of exotic species rescued from substandard facilities.
Online backlash against Sloth World Orlando intensified following the probe's revelations, with animal welfare groups calling for stricter regulations on wildlife imports for commercial purposes. The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement condemning the "preventable tragedies," urging federal oversight to prevent similar incidents. Frost's comments on X amplified these concerns, drawing attention to the broader issue of animal exploitation in Florida's tourism industry, which generates billions in revenue but has faced scrutiny over ethical practices.
Agresta's defense highlights a divide between the business's stated educational goals and the harsh realities encountered. He described the project as rooted in conservation, aiming to raise awareness about sloth habitats threatened by deforestation in their native ranges. However, critics argue that the high mortality rate—nearly all imported sloths dying before the attraction opened—undermines any such claims. The bankruptcy filing, expected imminently, will likely lead to the liquidation of any remaining assets, though the sloths themselves are now under AZA protection.
As the rescued sloths settle into their quarantine at the Central Florida Zoo, their recovery offers a glimmer of hope amid the scandal. Veterinary teams report that the group is responding well to fluids, nutritional supplements, and a controlled environment mimicking their natural habitat. Long-term placement at an AZA-accredited facility could provide stability, potentially allowing for educational programs that align more closely with conservation standards. For now, the focus remains on their immediate well-being, with updates promised as their health progresses.
The Sloth World saga serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring wildlife attractions in Florida, a state where the exotic pet trade and tourism often intersect controversially. With over 1,500 miles of coastline and a subtropical climate, Florida has long been a hub for animal-related enterprises, from zoos to roadside menageries. Yet, incidents like this one have prompted calls for enhanced FWC inspections and international import guidelines to safeguard vulnerable species. As investigations continue, questions linger about accountability for the lost sloths and lessons for future endeavors.
Looking ahead, the Central Florida Zoo anticipates completing the sloths' rehabilitation within the next month, after which suitable permanent homes will be identified. Agresta has not commented further on potential legal repercussions, but the stop-work order and bankruptcy proceedings may invite additional scrutiny from regulators. In Orlando, where innovation drives the entertainment sector, this failed venture reminds stakeholders of the delicate balance between commerce and compassion for the creatures at its core.