Story perspectives

Florida Criminal Probe Opens Over Sloth World Deaths

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

State officials have launched a criminal probe into the Sloth World deaths, citing possible animal cruelty violations.
Habanero the sloth died at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, Florida after being rescued from the closed Sloth World attraction.
Investigators found the Sloth World warehouse lacked running water, electricity and used faulty space heaters.
Rep. Anna Eskamani (Fla.) urged a criminal investigation and called the regulatory oversight a government failure.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Animal Welfare Act on August 24 1966, mandating USDA oversight of animal dealers. The 1970 amendment broadened protection to all warm-blooded animals used in exhibition, prompting expanded inspections. The current probe of Sloth World’s Sanford facility, backed by Florida officials, the Central Florida Zoo and Rep. Anna Eskamani, revives that enforcement legacy.

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Story summary

State officials have launched a criminal probe into the Sloth World deaths, citing possible animal cruelty violations.
Habanero the sloth died at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, Florida after being rescued from the closed Sloth World attraction.
Investigators found the Sloth World warehouse lacked running water, electricity and used faulty space heaters.
Rep. Anna Eskamani (Fla.) urged a criminal investigation and called the regulatory oversight a government failure.

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