Orlando, FL – At least 31 sloths imported for a planned animal attraction, "Sloth World," have died. The deaths occurred in a warehouse and during transit before the facility could open its doors. State inspection reports point to factors including cold exposure, transport stress, and poor health upon arrival.
The majority of the animals died in an unheated warehouse after a tripped fuse led to a lack of heating for at least one night. The facility, described as unsuitable for the animals, reportedly lacked water and electricity before the sloths arrived. Despite the losses, Sloth World was not obligated under Florida statutes to report the deaths.
"The sheer scale of Sloth World’s operation is cause for concern," stated Sam Trull, executive director of The Sloth Institute.
Officials are now scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the sloths' demise, with investigations seeking to understand what went wrong. Reports indicate that cages for two live sloths were found to be non-compliant with regulations, resulting in a verbal warning for the owners.
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Ben Agresta, owner of Sloth World, has contested the official findings, alleging the sloths died from a virus rather than adverse conditions. However, critics like Rebecca Cliffe, founder of the Sloth Conservation Foundation, question the legitimacy of removing animals from the wild for such attractions, regardless of claims made by the company.
The acquisition of these sloths reportedly involved animals brought from South America, including a shipment from Peru. The attraction's opening has faced repeated delays. Advocacy groups, including the Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute, had previously condemned Sloth World's practices in a joint statement.
Former co-owners are reportedly no longer with the company, with Ben Agresta now listed as the sole owner and president. Despite the ongoing investigation and reported deaths, work on the attraction, including visible signage, continues.
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