Criminal Investigation Opened Into Mass Sloth Death in Florida
A criminal investigation has been launched into Sloth World Orlando, a planned tourist attraction where dozens of imported sloths died before opening. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed his office is assisting in the probe following public outcry and reports of animal neglect. The company has filed for bankruptcy, and surviving sloths have been transferred to the Central Florida Zoo for care.
- ▪At least 50 sloths connected to Sloth World Orlando died due to cold exposure, malnutrition, infections, and poor transport conditions.
- ▪Necropsy results revealed evidence of chronic neglect, including untreated illnesses, dehydration, parasitic infestations, and hypothermia-related organ damage.
- ▪The remaining 13 sloths were surrendered to the Central Florida Zoo, with several arriving in critical condition and at least one dying after transfer.
- ▪Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed a statewide prosecutor is assisting the Ninth Circuit in the ongoing criminal investigation.
- ▪Animal-rights groups such as PETA are calling for state and federal charges against the facility's owners for alleged animal cruelty.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
...By Hollie SilvermanDeputy Weekend EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed his office is now assisting in an ongoing criminal investigation into Sloth World Orlando, the planned tourist attraction where dozens of sloths imported from South America died before the facility ever opened.The move follows months of public pressure, investigative reporting, and demands from lawmakers, including state Representative Anna Eskamani, a Democrat, who called the deaths a “failure of government” and urged state prosecutors to determine whether Florida’s animal cruelty laws were violated."Sloth World is filing for…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Newsweek
