Orlando’s Sloth World Permanently Closes as 31 Sloth Deaths Prompt Conservation Outcry
Orlando Sloth World, dubbed the world’s only “Slotharium,” is closing permanently after at least 31 sloths died ahead of the International Drive attraction’s opening, conservation groups announced April 24.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and The Sloth Institute (TSI) revealed the closure after months of vocal criticism of the facility.
According to SloCo, the facility had imported at least 69 wild-caught sloths by early 2025. As of the most recent update, only 13 had survived. The group includes both Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths.
Approximately 24 additional sloths obtained by Sloth World remain unaccounted for.
Surviving Sloths Transferred to Central Florida Zoo
The 13 surviving sloths arrived at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden on Friday, April 24. Ben Agresta, who owned the Sloth World operation, initially contacted zoo officials early in the week.
The zoo confirmed internally that it had quarantine space and adequate staffing before accepting the animals.
Richard E. Glover, the zoo’s CEO, said in a news release: “When we were approached about taking in these sloths, the team all agreed it was something we should and wanted to do. Our Zoo team has decades of experience caring for sloths, and we can ensure they will receive the best care and nutrition to give them the best opportunity for a positive outcome.”
The sloths are under management of the AZA Species Survival Plan, which will determine long-term placement at other AZA-accredited facilities once they recover.
The animals will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days and will not be available for public viewing during that period.
“By bringing these animals into an accredited setting and participating in the Species Survival Plan, we’re giving them the best possible chance to thrive and helping ensure a healthy, sustainable population of sloths for future generations,” Glover added in the release.
Surviving Sloths Show Early Signs of Improvement
In an April 25 update, the Central Florida Zoo confirmed that all 13 sloths survived the first 24 hours.
Veterinary staff examined every animal upon arrival and found many were dehydrated and underweight. All 13 are now eating and drinking properly, though a handful required more intensive care.
Those critical cases are showing early signs of improvement.
Some sloths are expected to remain at the Central Florida Zoo while others will be moved to accredited partner facilities once stable.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has held continuous AZA accreditation since 1986, regarded as the highest standard for animal care and welfare.
Sloth World Orlando Drew Sharp Criticism From the Start
Sloth World was first announced in December and promoted as a guided walk-through tour with conservation and education themes. The original opening date was set for February.
The planned attraction reportedly sold a substantial number of advance VIP tickets at $49 apiece.
Conservation groups say the closure alone is not enough.
“Sloth World is an egregious example of the damaging effects of the sloth trade on the welfare and conservation of sloths, but every individual taken from the wild for entertainment is a tragedy. We won’t rest until they’re all safe,” Sam Trull of TSI said in a press release.
“There have still been no legal consequences for the facility’s owner, despite the suffering caused by his actions. It should not take 31 confirmed deaths and a campaign run by two foreign non-profit organizations for action to be taken,” Dr. Rebecca Cliffe of SloCo added.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
