Dozens of sloths, intended for the new Sloth World attraction in Orlando, Florida, have died before its planned spring opening. An investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed that many of the mammals died due to conditions at a Florida warehouse where they were held after shipment.
According to the FWC report, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana in December 2024 died from cold conditions at a warehouse. In a separate incident in February 2025, two of 10 sloths arriving from Peru were found dead, with the remaining eight succumbing to poor health and emaciation.
Investigators found that the warehouse lacked adequate heating and electricity, leading to space heaters tripping fuses and leaving the animals without heat for extended periods. The sloths, native to tropical rainforests, require temperatures between 70-86°F (21-30°C), but temperatures in the warehouse dropped significantly.
The owner of Sloth World has denied allegations, citing a virus as the cause of death, but the FWC's investigation found instances where sloths were kept in cages not meeting captive wildlife requirements. The Orange County's Building Safety office has since posted a stop work order at the warehouse. The FWC has closed its investigation without citations, but other regulatory bodies are reportedly involved. The future opening of Sloth World remains uncertain.