Florida officials investigate planned ‘Sloth World’ attraction after 31 sloths die in warehouse

The Guardian reports that 31 sloths sourced from Peru and Guyana for the planned Sloth World attraction in Orlando died in a warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission incident report. Twenty-one two-toed sloths died from 'cold stun' when temporary heaters failed in a facility with no permanent power or water; ten others arrived dead or emaciated from Peru. The reporting is grounded in the official FWC incident report, named sources including Congressman Maxwell Frost and animal advocacy organizations, and specific details (cage dimensions, facility conditions, inspection findings), though the article notes Sloth World's contradictory statement claiming the FWC inspection found 'no wrongdoings' — a claim that warrants scrutiny given the documented violations. Coverage from Fox News, WESH, and Fox 35 Orlando corroborates the death toll and warehouse conditions, while the Sloth Conservation Foundation and Sloth Institute provide broader context that 1,141 sloths were imported to the US between 2011–2021, predominantly from Guyana, raising systemic concerns about the wildlife trade. Monitor the Orange County investigation's findings, the FWC's official response clarifying its inspection conclusions, and whether Sloth World's planned opening next month proceeds given the 'stop work' order issued after the Thursday warehouse inspection.