Overview
- The Central Florida Zoo confirmed Friday that Willow was humanely euthanized after her condition worsened despite around-the-clock veterinary care and supportive treatment.
- Willow arrived at the Zoo on April 24 as one of 13 sloths transferred from the closed Sloth World facility and showed severe health problems on arrival.
- Eight rescued sloths remain in quarantine at the Zoo—Chewy, Dolce, Phantom, Blackberry, Hazel, Leeloo, Mojo Jojo, and Pearl—and are receiving close monitoring and individualized care.
- Inspectors and veterinarians found multiple welfare failures tied to the Sloth World rescue, including animals that were underweight, dehydrated, and suffering digestive and cold-exposure issues, and staff noted spray-paint markings on Phantom that raised trafficking concerns.
- State criminal and regulatory investigations are underway and have prompted short-term policy responses and calls for tighter oversight of exotic-animal imports and care, a development that could change how such rescues are regulated and monitored.