Dozens of sloths have died in an Orlando warehouse, sparking fury among animal welfare advocates. The incident occurred between December 2024 and February 2025 at a facility intended for the unopened Sloth World Orlando attraction.
FWC Report Details
A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) attributed most of the deaths to 'cold stun' caused by inadequate heating and facility readiness. The warehouse lacked electricity and running water when the first shipment of sloths arrived.
A blown fuse left the sloths without heat for at least one night, with temperatures dropping to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. A second shipment also saw sloths arrive dead or in very poor health.
No Fines or Violations
Despite the deaths, FWC investigators issued no fines or formal violations, only a verbal warning for cage compliance issues. However, a lawmaker expressed outrage and is investigating the matter.
Orange County's Division of Building Safety issued a stop-work order at the warehouse after an inspection found it was storing animals without the required permit, casting doubt on the attraction's future.
In full, 31 sloths died in the warehouse en route to the Orlando exhibit, officials confirmed.
