Florida prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the deaths of dozens of sloths imported from South America for a controversial new theme park, Sloth World, in Orlando. The investigation was announced on Friday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who stated that his office is assisting the state's ninth circuit in an ongoing criminal probe into the animals' deaths and the circumstances of their seizure from their natural habitat.
Background of the Case
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report revealed last week that 31 sloths taken from rainforests in Peru and Guyana perished in an unheated warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025. The animals were intended for display at Sloth World, a tourist attraction on International Drive in Orlando. The theme park's proprietor has reportedly filed for bankruptcy and abandoned plans to open.
On Wednesday, the Central Florida Zoo posted on Facebook that one of 13 sloths rescued from the warehouse, named Bandit, had been euthanized due to poor health. The zoo had taken in the sloths voluntarily surrendered by Sloth World.
Official Statements
Attorney General Uthmeier wrote in a letter to Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani, who had demanded an investigation, that his office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice for those unable to protect themselves. He noted that state prosecutors typically only become involved in animal welfare investigations if there is evidence of a pattern of racketeering activity. Prosecutorial authority remains with State Attorney Monique Worrell of the ninth circuit, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Eskamani, who is running for mayor of Orlando, questioned why the state granted permits for the importation of the animals and approved the park's opening. She stated that the loss of dozens of animals under preventable conditions demands accountability and raises broader concerns about regulatory oversight.
Details of the Deaths
According to the FWC, the deaths came to light after an unannounced visit in August 2025 to the warehouse. The then-owner, Peter Bandre, told inspectors that 21 two-toed sloths from Guyana succumbed to a "cold stun" after temporary heaters failed. Ten more sloths arrived from Peru, with two dead on arrival and eight others dying from poor health issues after appearing emaciated. Bandre has since parted ways with Sloth World, and his former business partner, Ben Agresta, the sole owner and president, did not respond to a request for comment.
The FWC reported that Sloth World imported 61 mammals between December 2024 and March 2026. A veterinarian consulted by the commission found several cases of systemic viral infections, neurological, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disease, and evidence of immune suppression in the sloths. Necropsies did not definitively establish the primary cause of death or origin of infection.
Rescue and Aftermath
The Central Florida Zoo stated that all 13 sloths it received were examined by veterinary staff upon arrival. Bandit, one of the sloths, was in especially poor health, showing severe lethargy, dehydration, nutritional imbalances, and gastrointestinal complications. Zoo CEO Richard Glover expressed heartbreak over the sloth's death, noting that staff did everything possible to give him a chance at survival. The other 12 sloths are in stable condition.
Jonathan Morris, general counsel for captive animal law enforcement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), urged the attorney general to hold Sloth World accountable to the fullest extent of the law. He stated that the sloths were snatched from their rainforest homes and left to die in a barren warehouse, emphasizing that wild animals are not props for roadside attractions.
