US EditionFlorida Attorney General Confirms State Is Assisting with Sloth World Investigation
Eskamani says 31 sloth deaths and poor facility conditions warrant criminal review and accountability for the company behind the failed attraction.
- On Friday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a statewide prosecutor is assisting the Ninth Judicial Circuit with a criminal investigation into Sloth World, where more than 30 sloths died since late 2024.
- Inspection reports reveal 31 sloths died between December 2024 and February 2025 after being housed in an Orlando warehouse that lacked proper electricity and heating, causing "cold stun" deaths.
- Thirteen sloths arrived at the Central Florida Zoo in poor health, suffering from dehydration and malnutrition, and one young sloth named Bandit died shortly after arrival in critical condition.
- Following intense scrutiny from State Rep. Anna Eskamani, Sloth World announced it will not open and intends to file for bankruptcy, ending the planned International Drive attraction.
- Eskamani warned that without legislative changes or stricter enforcement of Florida's animal welfare laws, similar tragedies could recur in the exotic animal industry, as advocates question ongoing regulatory oversight.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Probe deepens into Orlando animal attraction after dozens of sloth deaths
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says a statewide prosecutor is now assisting in a criminal investigation into “Sloth World,” a planned Orlando animal attraction where more than 30 sloths have died since late 2024. In a letter sent Thursday to Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, Uthmeier said his office is working with the… The post Probe deepens into Orlando animal attraction after dozens of sloth deaths appeared first on Flor…
Hanford Sentinel
Florida officials launch criminal probe into Sloth World deaths
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed Friday that a criminal probe is underway into the deaths of sloths at Sloth World, a planned International Drive attraction that will not open after animals languished and perished in warehouses owned by the…
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