Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Sloth World Orlando Cancels Opening as 13 Surviving Sloths Move to Zoo

The closure follows findings of mass sloth deaths tied to lax oversight.

Overview

  • Thirteen sloths transferred to the Central Florida Zoo are stable after initial exams, the zoo said.
  • Sloth World said it will not open and plans to seek bankruptcy protection after surrendering the animals.
  • Investigators reported at least 31 sloth deaths between December 2024 and February 2025, with about 24 more unaccounted for from a total of at least 69 imports.
  • A Florida wildlife inspection documented no power, heat, air conditioning, or water at the site and noted one shipment where two sloths arrived dead and the remaining eight later died.
  • Orange County posted a stop-work order at the warehouse for unpermitted alterations and because the building was approved only for vehicle storage.