Story perspectives

31 Sloth Deaths Spur Permit Denial Request, Stop-Work Order

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Maxwell Frost asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deny Sloth World’s permit after a report documented 31 sloth deaths caused by temperatures in a warehouse lacking water, electricity and heating.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspected the site, found no misconduct, renewed license and gave a warning.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani and County officials called for tighter permitting, leading a inspector to issue a stop-work order.

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act on December 28, 1973, giving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authority to list and protect imperiled wildlife. By 2020 the Services had listed 1,662 domestic species, a framework now invoked by Rep. Maxwell Frost and Florida officials today in the ongoing Sloth World permit dispute.

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Story summary

Rep. Maxwell Frost asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deny Sloth World’s permit after a report documented 31 sloth deaths caused by temperatures in a warehouse lacking water, electricity and heating.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspected the site, found no misconduct, renewed license and gave a warning.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani and County officials called for tighter permitting, leading a inspector to issue a stop-work order.

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