13 malnourished sloths rescued from bankrupt tourist trap after 31 die in its care

More than a dozen sloths have been rescued from a troubled Florida attraction that never opened, after dozens of animals died while in its care.

Thirteen surviving sloths were removed from Sloth World Orlando on Friday and transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they are now being treated by veterinary specialists. According to officials, the animals made it through a second night under constant monitoring, including one in critical condition and another that is pregnant.

Zoo staff reported that many of the two-toed sloths arrived dehydrated and underweight. While several required intensive treatment, early signs indicate they are beginning to stabilize. The animals are currently being kept in quarantine for at least 30 days, during which time they are receiving food, fluids, and medical care as needed.

The zoo has taken temporary custody of the sloths and is working to place them in a permanent home at a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The rescue came one day after authorities issued a stop-work order against Sloth World Orlando, which had been preparing to open on International Drive. Investigators found that 31 sloths had died before the attraction ever welcomed visitors. The business, already facing financial difficulties, is now expected to file for bankruptcy, and plans for the attraction have been abandoned.

Owner Ben Agresta acknowledged the closure, saying the situation had been difficult and that bankruptcy was unavoidable given the loss of the animals and the shutdown of operations.

Problems reportedly began in December 2024, when the facility received its first shipment of sloths from Guyana. More than 20 animals from that group died soon after arrival due to what has been described as “cold stun.” The sloths had been housed in an off-site warehouse that initially lacked basic utilities such as electricity and running water. Reports indicate temporary heating measures failed, contributing to the deaths.

A later shipment from Peru also ended in tragedy. Two sloths were dead upon arrival, and the remaining animals—already in poor condition—died afterward, according to findings by wildlife officials.

The incident has drawn strong criticism from conservationists and public officials, who argued the animals were kept in unacceptable conditions.

In response, Agresta disputed claims of negligence, suggesting that an undetected virus may have been responsible for many of the deaths. He maintained that staff cared deeply for the animals and intended to promote conservation and education, insisting that the losses were not preventable.