Death Toll Related to 'Sloth World' Keeps Rising

A second sloth taken to a central Florida zoo for rehabilitation has died out of a group given up by a yet-to-open tourist attraction facing scrutiny for the deaths of more than 30 other sloths imported from Guyana and Peru. Habanero, an adult male, was euthanized Saturday to prevent further suffering at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, reports the AP. He had been taken there for rehabilitation along with a dozen other sloths given up by Sloth World, a tourist attraction planned for Orlando's tourism district that never opened, zoo officials said. Another sloth, Bandit, died last week after being transferred to the zoo.

"When the sloths arrived, all were underweight and are being treated for gastrointestinal (GI) issues, requiring intensive, specialized care," the zoo said in a statement. "Habanero initially showed encouraging signs of stabilization, including eating and drinking regularly under the close supervision of the zoo's veterinary and animal care teams. In recent days, however, his condition worsened." Added zoo CEO Richard Glover Jr., per the Orlando Sentinel: "Our team worked tirelessly to provide the highest level of care possible for Habanero. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we remain committed to doing everything we can for the remaining sloths. Situations like this ... are not unexpected given the fragile condition some of these animals were in upon arrival."

A criminal investigation into the sloths' treatment under Sloth World's care is underway by state and local authorities. Inspection reports by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission revealed 31 deaths between December 2024 and February 2025. The wildlife agency said 21 sloths imported from Guyana died at an Orlando facility called Sanctuary World Imports at the time in December 2024 when temperatures dropped into the 40- to 55-degree Fahrenheit range. Sloths are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as other mammals and do best in the 68- to 85-degree range. The tourist attraction later ordered 10 sloths from Peru, which arrived in February 2025. Two were dead on arrival. The rest appeared emaciated and died of what the report termed "poor health issues," according to the state agency's report.