Full Breakdown
31 Sloths Die in Orlando Warehouse as Sloth World Project Faces Scrutiny
4/25/2026, 7:28:24 AM
Warehouse Fatalities and Immediate Facts
Between December 2024 and February 2025, 31 sloths died while housed in a warehouse near the planned Sloth World Orlando attraction. The deaths were recorded in a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) incident report. The sloths arrived in two shipments: 21 from Guyana on Dec 18 2024 and 10 from Peru in February 2025.
Project Background and Facility Conditions
Sloth World markets itself as the world’s first “slothnarium,” promising indoor rainforest tours at $49 per visitor. At the time the first sloths arrived, the warehouse lacked electricity, running water, and functional heating. Space heaters were installed, but a tripped fuse left temperatures at 46 °F overnight, a condition the FWC identified as “cold stun.” The cages were later described as too small for individually housed sloths.
Key Figures and Organizations
The investigation involved Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (U.S. Representative for Central Florida), the FWC, licensed wildlife handler Peter Bandre, and Benjamin Agresta, owner and president of Sloth World. A former co-owner, who declined identification, issued a public rebuttal. The Orange County Division of Building Safety issued a stop-work order, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was referenced in the co-owner’s statements.
Data and Statistics
- Total deaths: 31 sloths.
- Shipment 1 (Dec 18 2024): 21 sloths (15 two-toed, 6 three-toed) from Guyana.
- Shipment 2 (Feb 2025): 10 two-toed sloths from Peru; 2 were dead on arrival, the remaining 8 later died.
- Temperature on Dec 22 fell to 46 °F after a heater fuse failed.
- The FWC issued only a verbal warning for cage compliance; no fines or formal violations were recorded.
Official Statements and Responses
Rep. Frost publicly expressed outrage, describing the deaths as “appalling.” The FWC’s incident report attributed most deaths to cold-stun from inadequate heating and noted cage-size violations, issuing a verbal warning but no penalties. The former co-owner denied the cold-stun explanation, asserting a “foreign virus” was responsible and highlighting a recent inspection that “found absolutely no wrongdoings.” Orange County’s Division of Building Safety halted work after finding the warehouse stored animals without a required use permit.
Criticism, Opposition, and Gaps
Animal-rights observers flagged the “too small” cages and the lack of basic utilities as violations of welfare standards. The former co-owner’s virus claim directly contradicts the FWC’s cold-stun finding, creating a factual dispute. No fines were levied, and the facility’s use-permit status remains unclear, prompting the stop-work order.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am appalled to hear about the 31 sloths who died under the ‘care’ of the not yet opened Sloth World in Orlando,” — Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, U.S. Representative
- “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 said in a statement.” — Former co-owner, Sloth World Orlando
- “We are aware of rumors such as claiming that our sloths were 'cold-stunned' or left without water and electricity.” — Former co-owner, Sloth World Orlando
- “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. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted a thorough inspection of our facility just last week, found absolutely no wrongdoings, and fully renewed our license.” — Former co-owner, Sloth World Orlando
What’s Next
Orange County’s stop-work order remains in effect, halting any further preparation of the Sloth World site until a valid use permit is secured. Rep. Frost’s office announced an investigation into the warehouse conditions. The attraction’s website and social media have been taken offline, leaving the planned March opening uncertain.
