Sloth World Orlando Shuts Down After The Death Of 31 Sloths—Calls Grow To Ban Wild Sloth Trade

A Florida attraction known as Sloth World has permanently closed after the deaths of 31 wild-caught sloths at the facility, sparking public outrage and renewed calls to ban the commercial trade of sloths.

The Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute, both based in Costa Rica, have led a campaign exposing the attraction, which reportedly imported at least 69 sloths taken from the wild in South America, including countries such as Peru and Guyana, for a proposed “Slotharium” exhibit.

Following early findings, former employees came forward with allegations about the animals’ treatment. While those reports initially could not be independently verified, further investigations revealed serious animal welfare concerns.

Sloth World has now surrendered its remaining sloths and permanently shut down.

The 13 surviving sloths have been transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden, where they are receiving urgent veterinary care under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Long-term placement will be determined among accredited facilities, with some expected to remain at the zoo.

Experts confirm that these sloths can sadly never return to the wild. Many are in poor health, their origins are unclear, and the risks of relocation are too great. Sloths can live for more than 50 years, meaning these individuals now face a lifetime in captivity.

“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,” said Sam Trull of The Sloth Institute. 

Despite the closure, serious concerns remain. Approximately 24 sloths are still unaccounted for, raising urgent questions about oversight, transparency, and enforcement.

“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. Where were the laws to protect these animals? Why did Sloth World not have to declare the deaths of the sloths in their care? Why was all of this legally able to happen?” said Dr. Rebecca Cliffe of The Sloth Conservation Foundation. 

Conservationists stress that this case is not isolated. It exposes a much larger, systemic issue: the ongoing legal trade and exploitation of wild sloths for profit. Weak regulations and enforcement gaps—both in the United States and in source countries—continue to enable animals to be taken from the wild and sold into captivity.

Now, advocates are demanding urgent action.

They are calling for:

• A full ban on the commercial trade and import of wild-caught sloths

• Stronger federal and international protections to close legal loopholes

• Full accountability for those responsible for the deaths and suffering

Organizations behind the investigation say their mission will continue until meaningful change is achieved and safeguards are in place to ensure this never happens again.

Amid the tragedy, they also pointed to the power of public awareness and collective action, which played a critical role in shutting down the facility and saving the surviving animals.