State Authorities Escalate Investigation into Sloth World
The situation surrounding the planned International Drive attraction known as Sloth World has taken a major legal turn. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed on May 1, 2026, that his office is now assisting in a criminal investigation into the deaths of more than 31 sloths. This news marks a significant escalation in a case that has troubled the Orlando community for months.
The Attorney General’s office is working alongside Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell. This collaboration aims to provide a deeper level of scrutiny after initial reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sparked public outcry. While the FWC previously found no criminal wrongdoing, many local leaders and animal advocates felt that conclusion did not reflect the gravity of the animal losses.
The History of the Sloth World Controversy
The trouble began well before the attraction ever opened its doors to the public. In December 2024, the company received a shipment of 21 sloths from Guyana. According to investigative reports, these animals arrived at a warehouse that was not equipped to receive them. Documented conditions included:
- Exposure to cold temperatures in an unheated warehouse.
- High levels of physiological stress from international transport.
- Exposure to viral infections and a lack of adequate oversight.
Orange County eventually issued a stop-work order for the facility due to building code violations. Despite the intervention, the toll on the animals was severe. Even those transferred to the Central Florida Zoo for emergency care faced struggles. A three-month-old baby sloth named Bandit passed away shortly after arrival due to his critical condition. Records indicate that at least 31 mammals died between late 2024 and early 2025, though some reports suggest the number of fatalities could be higher.
Legislative Pressure and the FWC Response
Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani has been a vocal critic of how the case was initially handled. She pushed for higher levels of government to step in after the FWC concluded its civil investigation without issuing citations or written warnings. Eskamani described the lack of accountability for what appeared to be clear negligence as unacceptable. She argued that the existing regulatory framework was inadequate for the severity of what occurred at the warehouse facility.
The FWC position was that while the deaths were tragic, the facility eventually met care and housing standards during subsequent inspections. However, the Attorney General’s new involvement suggests that the legal review of these events is far from over. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day, an expert in animal welfare law, has been assigned to assist with the probe.
Current Status and Impact on Orlando Tourism
Sloth World has since filed for bankruptcy protection, and the owner has abandoned plans to open the business on International Drive. For visitors to the Orlando area, this serves as a reminder of the complex regulations that govern animal attractions outside of major destinations like Disney’s Animal Kingdom or SeaWorld.
As the criminal probe continues, the community is looking for answers regarding how such a high number of deaths could occur before a business even began operations. We will continue to monitor the updates from State Attorney Monique Worrell’s office as more details from the investigation become public.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.