Thirty-one sloths imported from South America for a forthcoming tourist attraction in Orlando, Florida, have died in a warehouse before the venue could open to the public, according to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The deaths, which occurred between December 2024 and February 2025, have triggered investigations by multiple authorities and drawn sharp condemnation from animal welfare advocates and lawmakers.

According to the FWC report, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died after temporary space heaters — powered by extension cables run from a neighbouring building, since the warehouse had no electricity or water of its own — tripped a fuse and shut down overnight, leaving the animals exposed to temperatures that dropped as low as 46°F (7°C). The animals, naturally found in tropical rainforests where temperatures typically range between 70°F and 86°F (21°C–30°C), were described by then-owner Peter Bandre as victims of a "cold stun". A further 10 sloths arrived from Peru in February; two were found dead on arrival, and the remaining eight, described as emaciated, later died of "poor health issues". The FWC investigation also found that cages housing the animals did not meet captive wildlife welfare requirements, though the agency issued only a verbal warning and closed its inquiry without a written citation.

Sloth World, which markets itself as the world's only "slotharium" — a 7,500-square-foot rainforest-inspired indoor exhibit in a popular Orlando tourist corridor — disputes the account. Current sole owner Ben Agresta said the sloths died from an undetectable foreign virus and described claims about cold conditions and lack of utilities as "entirely false", adding that a recent FWC inspection found "absolutely no wrongdoings". Bandre has since departed the company. Orange County's building safety office issued a stop-work order at the warehouse on Thursday, noting the facility is permitted for vehicle storage and that unauthorised modifications appeared to have been made. Inspectors were unable to gain access despite four attempts.

The case has exposed what critics describe as serious gaps in wildlife regulation. Florida state Representative Anna Eskamani noted that FWC is not legally required to be notified of animal deaths, saying the deaths only came to light because members of the public reported them. Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Democrat representing central Florida, called the conditions "the worst possible" and said his office was investigating. Animal advocacy groups, including World Animal Protection US and the Sloth Conservation Foundation, have called on Orange County to halt the attraction's planned opening and launch a broader inquiry into permits for importing wild animals. The Sloth Institute has noted that between 2011 and 2021, 1,141 sloths were imported to the United States, 97% from Guyana. More than a dozen surviving sloths are reported to be under the care of another zoo in Central Florida.

Conservationists argue the episode reflects deeper problems with the commercial wildlife trade. "Removing wild animals from the rainforest for use in entertainment facilities risks normalising wildlife extraction at a time when many species are already under pressure from habitat loss," said Rebecca Cliffe, founder of the Sloth Conservation Foundation. Whether Sloth World will proceed with its planned opening remains uncertain as multiple regulatory bodies continue their investigations.