Florida prosecutors launch criminal investigation into deaths of 31 sloths
Florida prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of 31 sloths that died in an unheated warehouse while being held for a planned Orlando theme park called Sloth World. The animals, imported from Peru and Guyana, perished between December 2024 and February 2025 under poor conditions, prompting scrutiny over permitting and regulatory oversight. The Central Florida Zoo has taken in surviving sloths, one of which was later euthanized due to poor health.
- ▪Thirty-one sloths imported from Peru and Guyana died in an unheated warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025 while being held for the planned Sloth World theme park in Orlando.
- ▪Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced state prosecutors are assisting in an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sloths' deaths and importation.
- ▪An FWC inspection revealed that the sloths suffered from cold exposure, systemic infections, and various diseases, though the primary cause of death was not definitively determined.
- ▪Sloth World's former owner Peter Bandre reported the sloths died due to heater failure and poor health, while the current owner Ben Agresta has not commented on the situation.
- ▪The Central Florida Zoo has taken in 13 surviving sloths, one of which, named Bandit, was euthanized after arriving in poor condition.
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A sloth at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Photograph: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensView image in fullscreenA sloth at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Photograph: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensFloridaFlorida prosecutors launch criminal investigation into deaths of 31 slothsSloths were set to be displayed at controversial new theme park but report revealed mammals died in warehouseRichard Luscombe in MiamiFri 1 May 2026 15.05 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 15.07 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleProsecutors in Florida said Friday they have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of dozens of sloths from South America that were set to be displayed at a controversial new theme park.A Florida fish and wildlife commission (FWC) report…
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