Florida Proposes Sloth Protections After Deaths

Florida is taking steps to ensure wild sloths never suffer like the dozens that died at an Orlando tourism attraction last year.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proposed new rules that would require anyone importing sloths to prove they have specialized experience with the animals. Facilities would also need to pass inspections before receiving permits to own or display sloths.

The changes follow an Inside Climate News investigation that revealed more than 50 sloths died at Sloth World. In late 2024, the company imported 21 sloths from Guyana to a facility without running water or electricity, and all of them died. Ten more sloths from Peru died shortly after arrival.

Necropsy reports showed the animals suffered from diseases and severe stress caused by being captured from the wild, shipped internationally, and exposed to environmental changes and inadequate care. State records show Sloth World kept importing animals even as deaths mounted, until the business finally closed this spring.

Internal agency emails revealed that wildlife officials knew about the mounting deaths and welfare concerns long before the facility shut down, but didn't step in to stop it.

The Bright Side

The proposed rules represent real progress toward preventing similar tragedies. Captain Dana Russell from the wildlife agency said the goal is clear: put checks and balances in place to stop anything like this from happening again.

Wildlife advocates see the changes as a good start, though they say more work remains. Sam Trull, executive director of The Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, pointed out that people could still import wild-caught sloths with a permit. The rules also don't require businesses to report animal deaths or prohibit hands-on encounters where tourists pet and hold the animals.

Thirteen sloths did survive Sloth World and were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo, where they're now receiving proper care.

Advocates hope Florida's action sparks a broader conversation about banning sloth imports entirely, which they believe is the only way to truly protect these vulnerable animals from exploitation while preserving wild populations in their native habitats.