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Two Rescued Sloths Cleared From ICU at Central Florida Zoo

The case prompted a sloth import freeze alongside a wider rules review.

Overview

  • Dolce and Chewie, two of the rescued sloths, were cleared from the ICU and deemed stable in quarantine, the zoo said Monday.
  • Nine of the 13 sloths transferred to the zoo on April 24 remain under round-the-clock care after arriving dehydrated and underweight.
  • Four of the 13 have died, including Mr. Ginger, who was euthanized May 15, while necropsies for Bandit, Habanero, and Dumpling cited emaciation tied to prior care.
  • Since December 2024, reports count 56 sloth deaths linked to animals imported from Guyana and Peru and kept in an Orlando warehouse without heat, water, or windows.
  • A criminal investigation remains open with no charges, and Florida’s wildlife agency has halted sloth imports until at least July 10 and formed a task force to review exotic-animal permits.