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'No evidence' of crime in 57 deaths related to Florida's Sloth World: Sheriff
The animals were captured from their rainforest habitats and taken to an Orlando warehouse that was permitted for vehicle storage
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Aug 26, 2026 • Last updated 18 hours ago • 1 minute read
Sloth in Panama. Photo by Parkol /Getty Images
The deaths of dozens of sloths in Florida was not criminal.
That’s what the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ruled after at least 57 sloths connected to the failed Sloth World attraction that was once planned for Orlando died.
The sheriff’s office said the deaths of the slow-moving mammals were the result of “multiple contributing factors affecting the overall health and survivability of the animals — and not a criminal act,” Central Florida Public Media reported.
Authorities didn’t find any evidence of intentional harm, abuse, criminal neglect or any deliberate act or omission by Sloth World personnel that met standards required by state law.
‘Multiple stressors’
The investigation’s findings noted the deaths were “consistent with a complex health-related event involving multiple stressors associated with the capture, transportation, acclimation, and continued care of a highly specialized species.”
As reported by People, an investigation was opened in May after dozens of wild sloths imported to Orlando from South America for Sloth World died. The animals were captured from their natural rainforest habitats, imported to the United States and taken to an Orlando warehouse that was permitted for vehicle storage and not live animals.
In December 2024, at least 21 sloths died in the warehouse that was “not ready to receive the sloths,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records noted.
The facility had no running water or electricity days before the shipment arrived, and it was “too late to cancel,” according to inspectors.
The deaths of the sloths drew national attention earlier this year. Sloth World never opened, and the 13 surviving sloths were surrendered and transported to Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Fla., for rehabilitation, per People. Two sloths have since died at the zoo.
After a 60-day import ban, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have added a new permit requirement for importing sloths.
cfpublic.org
torontosun.com
The animals were captured from their rainforest habitats and taken to an Orlando warehouse that was permitted for vehicle storage
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Aug 26, 2026 • Last updated 18 hours ago • 1 minute read
Sloth in Panama. Photo by Parkol /Getty Images
The deaths of dozens of sloths in Florida was not criminal.
That’s what the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ruled after at least 57 sloths connected to the failed Sloth World attraction that was once planned for Orlando died.
The sheriff’s office said the deaths of the slow-moving mammals were the result of “multiple contributing factors affecting the overall health and survivability of the animals — and not a criminal act,” Central Florida Public Media reported.
Authorities didn’t find any evidence of intentional harm, abuse, criminal neglect or any deliberate act or omission by Sloth World personnel that met standards required by state law.
‘Multiple stressors’
The investigation’s findings noted the deaths were “consistent with a complex health-related event involving multiple stressors associated with the capture, transportation, acclimation, and continued care of a highly specialized species.”
As reported by People, an investigation was opened in May after dozens of wild sloths imported to Orlando from South America for Sloth World died. The animals were captured from their natural rainforest habitats, imported to the United States and taken to an Orlando warehouse that was permitted for vehicle storage and not live animals.
In December 2024, at least 21 sloths died in the warehouse that was “not ready to receive the sloths,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records noted.
The facility had no running water or electricity days before the shipment arrived, and it was “too late to cancel,” according to inspectors.
The deaths of the sloths drew national attention earlier this year. Sloth World never opened, and the 13 surviving sloths were surrendered and transported to Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Fla., for rehabilitation, per People. Two sloths have since died at the zoo.
After a 60-day import ban, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have added a new permit requirement for importing sloths.
OCSO finds ‘no evidence’ criminal act caused dozens of sloth deaths
Leading sloth experts say the agency’s finding underscores the need to address glaring flaws with current animal welfare protections.
cfpublic.org
'No evidence' of crime in 57 deaths related to Florida's Sloth World: Sheriff
The sheriff's office said the deaths of the slow-moving mammals were the result of multiple contributing factors. Read on.