13 Sloths Rescued After Failed Florida Attraction Closes

Thirteen sloths are getting a second chance at life after being rescued from a failed Florida business that saw dozens of their companions die in captivity.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomed the surviving animals from Sloth World, a planned Orlando attraction that shuttered last week following an investigation by Inside Climate News. The report revealed that 31 of the 69 wild sloths imported from South America had died in the company's care since December 2024.

The deaths sparked immediate public outrage. A member of Congress called for a federal investigation, and owner Ben Agresta, who initially called state death records "completely fiction," closed down the company's website and social media accounts without comment.

State records painted a grim picture. Twenty-one sloths died shortly after arriving in December at an industrial building that wasn't ready for them. Ten more from a February shipment also perished, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports.

The rescued sloths are now in a specialized off-display habitat for a mandatory 30-day quarantine. The zoo hasn't disclosed their health status, but necropsy reports from Sloth World showed some animals had contracted viruses, including a novel gammaherpesvirus.

"When we were approached about taking in these sloths, the team all agreed it was something we should and wanted to do," said Richard E. Glover, CEO of the 116-acre accredited facility. His team brings decades of sloth care experience to the rescue effort.

The Bright Side

This story highlights how investigative journalism and public accountability can protect vulnerable animals. Wildlife experts had harshly criticized Sloth World for importing wild sloths for commercial purposes, noting these tropical mammals internalize stress in ways that suppress their immune systems.

The zoo plans to keep some sloths permanently while transferring others to accredited partner institutions. Each animal will receive individualized care plans designed to give them the best chance at recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Scientists emphasize that sloths are poorly suited to captivity, especially when taken from the wild. The stress of capture, transport, and confinement creates conditions where dormant viruses can become deadly.

Thanks to quick action from experienced professionals, these 13 survivors now have expert care, proper nutrition, and safe habitats designed for their specific needs.