An investigation by FOX 35 Orlando, based on records gathered from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), reveals that at least 53 sloths destined for Sloth World died before the attraction ever opened, well above the 31 deaths that were originally reported.
Sloth World was a planned sloth-focused attraction under development on International Drive in Orlando.
As previously reported, the deaths date back to December 2024, when the first group of sloths arrived from Guyana. FWC findings indicate that 21 of those animals died after being housed in a warehouse near the proposed attraction, with reports attributing the deaths to cold stun.
Information gathered by the FWC indicates the holding facility was not fully operational when the initial shipment of sloths arrived. The site reportedly lacked basic utilities, including electricity and running water. Documents also describe the use of space heaters powered through an external connection to another building, and note that a tripped electrical fuse cut heat during a period of colder weather.
Separately, Orange County officials determined the warehouse was not approved for wildlife use. A building safety inspector issued a stop-work order last week after concluding the property lacked the required permit to house animals.
A subsequent shipment from Peru in February 2025 resulted in additional losses. The FWC reported that two sloths were already dead on arrival, while the remaining eight were described as severely weakened and in poor condition. None of the animals from that shipment survived.
The FWC was not aware of these 31 early deaths until an unannounced inspection on August 7, 2025, according to Fox 35 Orlando.
The FWC also identified multiple compliance issues, including cages that did not meet minimum size standards and incomplete records documenting when animals were placed within the enclosures. Despite the findings and the number of deaths, the FWC did not issue fines or formal enforcement action, instead giving a verbal warning related to enclosure requirements.
Even after the early deaths and the start of the FWC investigation, additional sloths continued to be brought to the facility. Records reviewed by FOX 35 Orlando show at least 21 additional deaths occurred after the investigation began, some of those losses reported in recent months. However, a death on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, brings the post-investigation total to 22.
Across inspection reports, necropsy findings, and veterinary notes obtained and reviewed by FOX 35 Orlando, the deaths were associated with a range of conditions, including gastrointestinal illness, vitamin deficiencies, and other conditions. FOX 35 Orlando noted that not every cause of death could be verified, but the records did identify specific outcomes in several cases.
Among the documented reports, Baloo arrived on August 13, 2025, and died on November 2, 2025. Flash was noted to have arrived with gastrointestinal issues and later developed weakness, lethargy, and bloating before dying just 13 days after arrival. Gator died on Christmas Day, while Tugboat died on New Year’s Day. Banky and Picasso arrived on November 12, 2025, and both died about three weeks later after a recorded altercation between them. Jazz died approximately three weeks ago.
Additional deaths include Snuggles, Chili, and Sonic, all of whom died on March 25, 2026. Necropsy reports cited vitamin deficiencies. Snuggles’ mother, Siesta, had died earlier in December 2025 after being found on the floor of her enclosure. Nell died in February 2026, with reports listing vitamin deficiencies as a contributing factor.
Dietary concerns also surfaced in records reviewed by FOX 35 Orlando. Veterinary notes indicated the sloths were fed brown rice as part of their diet. A veterinarian at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens told FOX 35 Orlando that brown rice should not be included in their nutrition plan.
Sloth World founder Ben Agresta disputed the FWC’s conclusions regarding the reported causes of death. According to FOX 35 Orlando, Agresta maintained that all of the sloths died from an unknown virus. However, state records cited by FOX 35 Orlando indicate that while a viral illness was identified in some cases, many deaths were attributed to a combination of other factors, contradicting Agresta’s account.
A former Sloth World employee also challenged Agresta’s version of events, telling WKMG News 6, “He’s lying about that. There were no viruses. It was bad conditions in him not taking care of his property. His business.”
Following widespread public backlash over the deaths, Sloth World took down its social media accounts last week, stripped much of its website, and confirmed it does not plan to move forward with opening. Agresta told FOX 35 Orlando that he intended to file for bankruptcy.
Thirteen surviving sloths were transferred from Sloth World to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they remain in quarantine and under veterinary care. Zoo officials noted that many arrived dehydrated and underweight but have shown signs of improvement. However, Bandit, a three-month-old sloth, was in critical condition upon arrival. He showed signs of lethargy, malnutrition, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues. Despite intensive care efforts, his condition continued to decline, and the zoo made the decision to humanely euthanize him on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
“We are heartbroken by the loss,” said Richard E. Glover Jr., CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. “Our team did everything possible to give him the best chance at survival and ensure he was comfortable in his final days.”
The Central Florida Zoo is seeking donations to support the ongoing care and rehabilitation of the animals.
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