Thirty-one sloths died in a warehouse near Orlando’s planned Sloth World attraction after arriving in shipments without adequate heat, water, or electricity, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation that found animals frozen in 46-degree temperatures and left emaciated without basic necessities.

Warehouse Failures Led to Mass Deaths

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discovered the deaths during an unannounced inspection in August 2025, learning that 21 sloths died shortly after arriving from Guyana in December 2024. Investigators found the warehouse lacked running water and electricity for periods of time. A previous co-owner admitted the facility was not ready for the incoming animals but claimed it was too late to cancel the shipment. At one point, a fuse tripped, leaving the sloths without heat for at least one night when temperatures dropped to 46 degrees on December 22.

An additional 10 sloths from Peru died in February 2025. Two arrived already dead, while the remaining eight appeared emaciated and in very poor health before succumbing. The FWC report cited cold exposure, transport stress, and poor health on arrival as primary factors. Under Florida law, Sloth World had no obligation to report the deaths to authorities, raising questions about oversight of exotic animal facilities in the state.

Owner Disputes Findings Despite Evidence

The current owner vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the deaths resulted from a foreign virus rather than inadequate conditions. He stated the facility worked alongside veterinarians and state agriculture officials to identify and address the virus. The owner rejected claims that sloths were cold-stunned or left without water and electricity as entirely false. He emphasized millions invested in animal care and habitats, insisting the facility remains deeply committed to sloth welfare and safety.

The FWC did not issue formal violations, noting no intentional misconduct, though investigators gave a verbal warning regarding cage sizes. The commission renewed the facility’s license after its most recent inspection, allowing operations to continue despite the documented deaths.

Attraction Faces Delays and Scrutiny

Sloth World Orlando was originally scheduled to open in March 2026 on International Drive as a first-of-its-kind conservation-focused attraction featuring dozens of sloths in a 7,500-square-foot cage-free rainforest environment. The project now faces delays and a revised opening timeline later in 2026 as operational challenges mount. Public scrutiny intensifies as questions emerge about whether exotic animal attractions can adequately care for species requiring specialized tropical environments in Florida warehouses and facilities.