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A troubling discovery has shaken plans for a new wildlife attraction, as 31 sloth deaths at Sloth World Orlando were confirmed ahead of its highly anticipated opening—raising serious questions about animal care and oversight.

What was meant to be a serene, rainforest-inspired haven has instead become a case study in how fragile wildlife can be when removed from its natural environment.

Investigation Reveals Fatal Conditions

According to a report released Friday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, many of the sloths died after being transported to a Florida warehouse that was not properly equipped to house them.

The animals were intended for display at Sloth World, a planned “slothnarium” set to open in Orlando this spring.

Investigators found that several of the mammals perished due to inadequate conditions at the warehouse, while others arrived already dead or in poor health and later died.

Two Shipments, Dozens of Losses

The report details two separate incidents leading to the deaths.

In December 2024, 21 sloths shipped from Guyana died after being exposed to cold temperatures inside the warehouse.

Then, in February 2025, another shipment of 10 sloths from Peru arrived under grim circumstances—two were dead on arrival, and the remaining eight were severely underweight and later died from health complications.

Warehouse Conditions Under Scrutiny

Investigators were told by Peter Bandre that the facility was not prepared to receive the animals.

“It was too late to cancel the shipment,” he reportedly said, attributing the deaths to a “cold stun.”

The warehouse lacked both water and electricity. Temporary space heaters were installed, but they tripped a fuse and shut down, leaving the animals without heat for at least one night.

Sloths, native to tropical rainforests, require stable temperatures between 70–86°F (21–30°C). Yet records show temperatures in the area dropped to 46°F (7°C) shortly after the animals arrived.

Owner Disputes Findings

Ben Agresta has pushed back against the report, calling its claims inaccurate.

He told Fox-35 that the deaths were caused by a virus that showed minimal symptoms and could not be detected even after examination.

The BBC has reached out to the company and its representatives for further comment.

Regulatory Gaps and Ongoing Probes

The FWC noted additional issues during its investigation, including instances where sloths were kept in enclosures that failed to meet captive wildlife standards. A verbal warning was issued.

Despite the findings, the agency closed its investigation without issuing formal citations, though other regulatory bodies continue to examine the case.

Meanwhile, Orange County Building Safety Office has issued a stop work order on the warehouse, citing alleged violations of building codes and local regulations.

Future of the Attraction Uncertain

It remains unclear whether Sloth World—marketed as Orlando’s only “slotharium”—will open as planned in a busy tourist corridor.

The FWC confirmed that the attraction’s owner holds a valid wildlife permit, allowing for the exhibition or sale of animals.

Local reports indicate that more than a dozen surviving sloths have been relocated to another zoo in central Florida for care.

Lawmakers and Experts Sound Alarm

The revelations have sparked backlash from lawmakers and animal welfare advocates.

Anna Eskamani criticized what she described as a “major gap” in wildlife permitting, noting that authorities were not automatically notified of the deaths.

“If it wasn’t for everyday people who care and reported these deaths, it’s hard to know when officials would have even learned about them,” she said.

Concerns had already been raised by groups like the Sloth Conservation Foundation and the Sloth Institute.

Sam Trull warned that transporting sloths internationally often leads to severe health complications.

“When removed from their natural canopy and placed in artificial environments, many sloths struggle to survive,” he said. “For a significant number, it proves fatal.”

A Dream Turned Into a Cautionary Tale

As the story of the 31 sloth deaths at Sloth World Orlando continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder: even the gentlest creatures can become casualties when systems fail.

What was envisioned as a tranquil exhibit now stands under a cloud of scrutiny—its future uncertain, its past impossible to ignore.