An investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) revealed that at least 31 sloths died in a warehouse in Orlando, Florida, between December 2024 and February 2025, before the scheduled opening of Sloth World Orlando. Authorities determined that the animals were not kept at proper temperatures, suffered stress during transport, and developed stomach problems due to inadequate diets. This finding has led to the permanent closure of the attraction, known as the world's only "Slotharium."
Lethal conditions in the warehouse
The FWC report describes two separate incidents where dozens of sloths died. In December 2024, 21 sloths died shortly after their arrival. Subsequently, in February 2025, another 10 sloths sent from Peru also perished, bringing the total to 31 confirmed deaths. Investigators believe that the animals arriving in December died of "cold stun." The lowest temperature recorded in the warehouse was 46 degrees Fahrenheit on December 22.
A former co-owner told investigators that the building was not ready when the sloths were supposed to arrive, but it was too late to stop the shipment. According to this testimony, the facility lacked running water and electricity for a time. Space heaters powered by an extension cord from a nearby building were purchased, but a fuse blew, leaving the sloths without heat for at least one night.
Reactions and closure of the attraction
The current owner, Ben Agresta, has strongly rejected the accusations. In a statement to Fox35, he claimed that the facility was managing a difficult situation with an "foreign virus" and that they worked tirelessly with veterinarians and experts. Agresta denied claims that the sloths were left without water and electricity, asserting that they always prioritized animal health and invested millions in their care.
Nevertheless, the attraction has permanently closed according to an April 24 announcement by the Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and The Sloth Institute (TSI). Thirteen surviving sloths were rescued and relocated to Florida's Central Zoo & Botanical Gardens. However, the situation remains critical; Bandit, one of the transferred sloths, died on April 29 due to lethargy, dehydration, and gastrointestinal complications.
Political criticism and legal gaps
Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost expressed his disgust at the death of the 31 sloths, describing them as naturally solitary animals placed in the worst possible conditions. For her part, State Representative Anna Eskamani pointed out that the situation reveals a "huge gap" in wildlife permits, since Florida law did not require Sloth World to notify the state about animal deaths. The FWC only learned of previous deaths during an unexpected routine inspection in August 2025.
