Who is investigating ‘Sloth World’ after over 30 dead?
The death of Habanero, a sloth in the care of the Central Florida Zoo, adds to the death count of over 30 sloths in connection to the anticipated Orlando attraction “Sloth World.” While the Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office said the situation is under investigation, the State Attorney’s office of Monique Worrell denied this.
SANFORD, Fla. – The Central Florida Zoo announced Tuesday the death of Dumpling, one of 13 Sloth World sloths brought under its care in critical condition after being kept in a warehouse on International Drive.
It is the third sloth death that the Central Florida Zoo’s animal keepers have had to deal with in less than a week, while frantically caring for and treating the remaining 10 sloths.
All 13 sloths were brought to the zoo on Friday, April 24. All were said to be dehydrated, underweight, and suffering from gastrointestinal issues, among other concerns.
Bandit died on Wednesday, April 29, the zoo said. Habanero died on Saturday night, May 2.
What they’re saying:
“Dumpling was one of a select group of animals who arrived at the Zoo in critical condition. While the past 11 days had been a series of ups and downs, Dumpling continued to struggle with digestion and gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and took a sudden and rapid downturn Monday morning,” the zoo said in a statement.
“This has been an incredibly difficult week for our team, as everyone involved in caring for these animals can attest.”
As previously stated, sloths have a tendency to hide any signs of extreme illness until it is often too late for reversal, at which point, their condition can decline very rapidly and without advance warning. In addition, their metabolisms work so slowly, it could potentially take many weeks for any pre-existing issues to manifest.
Dumpling’s death reflects that this is a day by day situation here for the remaining sloths in our care. Thank you for your continued support.”
FOX 35 Investigates: Sloth World sloth deaths
In December 2024 and February 2025, a total of 31 sloths brought from South America to Florida to be part of the Sloth World Orlando exhibit died, according to an FWC inspection report, citing concerns about being subjected to cold temperatures in a warehouse that, according to a former colleague, was not yet prepared for the sloths.
As FOX 35 has reported, the building where the sloths were housed was not permitted at the time to house animals. Instead, it was permitted to store vehicles.
Records show that more sloths were shipped to Florida and housed at one of two warehouses in Orlando and Orange County.
The owner of Sloth World told FOX 35 previously that the sloths died from a foreign virus, denying reports of cold stun. Some FWC and necropsy reports have noted infection issues, among others. He also said he would not open his attraction any longer.
Dig deeper:
Is Sloth World under investigation?
The Florida Attorney General’s Office said one of its prosecutors was assisting State Attorney Monique Worrell’s Office is an “ongoing criminal investigation.”
However, Worrell’s Office said it does not conduct investigations, law enforcement does; and also stated that it does not have any information about any active investigation.
“At this stage, they are in preliminary discussions about which law enforcement agency would be best suited to conduct an investigation, should one move forward. We do not have any information regarding an investigation that is currently underway,” she said.
FWC: No violations or violations in sloth deaths. Here’s why.
The FWC said it was made aware of the 31 sloth deaths during an August 2025 inspection, where it checked on six sloths being cared for in the Orange County warehouse.
During that inspection, FWC inspectors did not find any major violations. It noted that the sloths were kept in cages, had access to food and water, and that the building had climate control systems in place.
A “verbal warning” was given to the owner because two sloths were being kept in cages that were too small and that there was no documented record on when they were placed in those cages. Some rules allow animals to be kept in small cages for a maximum of 60 days and under certain conditions.
FWC said in a statement that the 31 deaths did not meet the legal threshold for animal cruelty. It also noted that sloths fall under a broad Class III license, which does not require owners to notify FWC about sloth sickness or disease. FWC only needs to be notified if there is a bite, escape, or transfer.
The USDA previously confirmed to FOX 35 that Sloth World did not have an active animal permit with then, a requirement to put animals on public exhibit. The agency has not confirmed whether it has opened an investigation into Sloth World.
The Source: The Central Florida Zoo announced Dumpling’s death on Tuesday, May 5, 2025. Additional information from FWC spokespersons, news releases, and records; statement from Attorney General James Uthmeier and State Attorney Monique Worrell’s offices.
