Experts call for ban on sloth imports animals death at Sloth World in Orlando
By Kennedy Mason
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ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — Fifty-five sloths died in unsuitable conditions at the failed and never-opened Sloth World attraction in Orlando.
Experts and officials are now demanding accountability and changes to how these animals are handled. Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, founder of the Sloth Conservation Foundation, said the animals were kept in conditions they could not survive.
She explained that sloths are biologically adapted to warm environments and diets consisting of greens, but the conditions they faced were far from suitable.
Cliffe said that in 2024, 21 sloths were placed in what she called an unpermitted warehouse with no electricity. Another 10 sloths were brought in and died as well.
Cliffe said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission became aware of the sloth deaths in August 2025 but allowed the facility to continue importing sloths until March 2026.
During that time, another 21 sloths died, bringing the total to 55. Cliffe questioned why FWC claimed there was no evidence of violations.
“Under Florida law, it is a criminal offense to subject animals to unnecessary suffering. Placing highly sensitive animals into a warehouse with no electricity, no heat, and no running water resulted in predictable, visible, and highly preventable [deaths]. I have a hard time understanding how that does constitute a violation,” Cliffe said.
State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement, saying, “We will do everything within our power to ensure accountability in this matter.”
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Cliffe said her organization is calling for a ban on the importation of wild sloths into the United States for commercial purposes and private ownership. They are also advocating for a review of how sloths are classified and full transparency when animals die in such facilities.
During a news conference, Rep. Anna Eskamani criticized the people behind the attraction, calling them unqualified.
Necropsy reports obtained by WESH 2 show the sloths suffered from a long list of serious health issues.
The reports also reveal that the animals were fed the wrong kind of food, including brown rice instead of fresh greens.
The CEO of the Central Florida Zoo said, “That kind of diet is not good for sloths.”
The Sloth Conservation Foundation in a second news conference on Wednesday called for a ban on importing sloths into the U.S. for personal or commercial use.
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