Sloth world Orlando files for bankruptcy following mass animal mortality scandal

Sloth World Orlando, a facility branding itself as the world’s only “slotharium,” is facing intense scrutiny following a Fox 35 Orlando investigation into the deaths of 31 sloths. 

Consequently, the owner has announced plans to file for bankruptcy protection and will no longer move forward with plans to open the attraction.

According to reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the deaths occurred across two separate shipments intended for the facility.

In December 2024, 21 sloths arriving from Guyana perished as investigations suggest the animals were exposed to extreme cold after space heaters at the facility malfunctioned. 

In February 2025, 10 additional sloths arriving from Peru died: two were dead upon arrival, while the remaining eight were described as “emaciated” and in critically poor health before passing away.

“Recently, our facility has been managing a difficult situation involving a foreign virus. We have worked tirelessly alongside our veterinarian, the Florida Department of Agriculture, and other outside experts to successfully identify the virus and address it,” he told Fox 35.

“We are aware of rumors such as claiming that our sloths were 'cold-stunned' or left without water and electricity. These claims are entirely false,” he asserted.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) declined to issue citations or fines against the Sloth World following the deaths. 

The agency determined there was no evidence of intentional misconduct or clear refusal to follow captive wildlife regulations. 

Despite the lack of legal action, investigators noted significant concerns during a routine inspection of the facility’s warehouse, suggesting ongoing issues with the operation. There are calls for a planned attraction in Orlando, Fla., to shut down before it opens.