FWC Halts Sloth Imports for 60 Days After 55 Animals Die in Florida

Florida wildlife regulators have imposed a 60-day ban on all sloth imports into the state after 55 of the animals died in connection with a failed Orlando tourist attraction. Lawmakers and animal advocates are now pushing for permanent protections before the window closes.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued the temporary moratorium following the Sloth World collapse — an attraction that was set to open on International Drive in Orlando but never did. The owner plans to file for bankruptcy, and a criminal investigation is underway through the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The stakes are significant. The bulk of sloth importations — both as pets and for commercial use — moves through the Port of Miami, making Florida a critical chokepoint for a trade that animal welfare advocates say has proven deadly for the species.

Necropsies showed the animals were emaciated, suffered intestinal damage, and in some cases had trauma to their spinal cords, said Sam Trull, co-founder and executive director of The Sloth Institute in Costa Rica. The sloths had been wild animals in rainforests in Peru and Guyana before being transported for commercial entertainment purposes.

Ten animals survived and are now in the care of the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which is spending roughly $1,500 to $2,000 a day on their feeding and medical treatment. Some remain in critical condition. The zoo is accepting public donations; the Sanford Main Street District is selling "Help Us Hang In There" T-shirts for $35, with all proceeds directed to the animals' care.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat in her final House term, has been the loudest legislative voice on the issue. She is urging FWC to pursue rule changes rather than waiting for lawmakers to pass new legislation — the next Regular Session does not begin until March 2027. Eskamani also argues that FWC, primarily a law enforcement agency, lacks the animal husbandry expertise needed to conduct meaningful health and wellness checks on sloths. She is calling for permit reforms to address that gap.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, asked about the matter during a news conference, said he expects action. "FWC's on it. I would expect to see something in relatively short order," he said.

Separately, lawmakers negotiating the state budget are debating how much to allocate to the Central Florida Zoo. State Rep. Rachel Plakon filed a $1.5 million request for zoo infrastructure upgrades before the sloth deaths became public. The House trimmed that to $750,000; the Senate proposed $500,000. Officials said No specific Treasure Coast funding allocation tied to this issue has been confirmed.

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