Thirty-one sloths die in Florida before opening of attraction

Thirty-one sloths intended for a new attraction called Sloth World in Orlando, Florida, died before the facility’s opening. According to a report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), many of the sloths perished due to inadequate conditions at a Florida warehouse where they were kept. Some sloths arrived already dead or in poor health and later died. The owner of Sloth World, Ben Agresta, disputed the report’s findings, claiming the sloths succumbed to an undetectable virus. The FWC report detailed that in December 2024, 21 sloths from Guyana died due to cold conditions in the warehouse, and in February 2025, two of 10 sloths from Peru arrived dead, with the rest dying from health issues. The warehouse lacked proper heating, leading to a “cold stun” that contributed to the deaths. The FWC also noted that the sloths were kept in cages not meeting wildlife requirements, issuing a verbal warning. The investigation concluded without further action. QUESTION: How might the tragic loss of these sloths influence future regulations and practices for transporting and housing exotic animals?