13 Rescued Sloths Begin Recovery Journey at Central Florida Zoo

SANFORD, Fla. — Thirteen two-toed sloths rescued from a shuttered Orlando attraction are beginning their recovery at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens after arriving in critical condition last week, zoo officials confirmed Monday.

The sloths, donated by Sloth World Orlando, an interactive exhibition that never opened to the public, were transferred to the zoo on Friday, April 24, following reports of mass deaths among the animals imported for the attraction. According to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report cited in an investigation by Inside Climate News, 31 sloths died between December 2024 and February 2025, raising concerns about the animals’ welfare prior to their donation.

Initial Assessment and Condition

Upon arrival at the Central Florida Zoo, the 13 surviving sloths underwent immediate veterinary examinations. Zoo staff reported that many of the animals were dehydrated and underweight, though all had survived the first 24 hours in their care. A statement from the zoo on Saturday, April 25, described the sloths as “stable” but noted that they still faced significant health challenges.

“We were very excited to have the opportunity, and grateful that he chose to donate them to us,” said Richard Glover, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo, referring to Sloth World owner Benjamin Agresta. “There are other things he could have done with them. And so we’re excited to have the opportunity to give them the best possible chance for a good outcome they could have.”

Glover acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the sloths’ long-term survival, stating, “Not knowing what their medical conditions may be, we will be very lucky if all of them do survive. … It’s going to take some time for the vet team to assess all of them individually and determine what the issues may be.”

Quarantine and Treatment

The sloths are currently in quarantine, where they will remain for at least 30 days as veterinary staff monitor their progress. According to the zoo’s statement, the animals are now eating and drinking properly, though a few required more critical care. Those individuals are showing initial signs of improvement, zoo officials said.

The Central Florida Zoo, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is providing round-the-clock care for the sloths, with staff assessing each animal and administering treatment as needed. The zoo has invited the public to support its efforts through donations, which will help fund the specialized care required for the sloths’ recovery.

Background on Sloth World Orlando

Sloth World Orlando was planned as an interactive exhibition on International Drive, designed to allow visitors to engage with the animals. However, the attraction never opened to the public, and the deaths of 31 sloths imported for the project drew scrutiny from wildlife authorities and animal welfare advocates. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report, cited in the Inside Climate News investigation, documented the fatalities, though the exact causes remain unclear.

Central Florida Public Media attempted to contact Sloth World for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Public Response and Support

The Central Florida Zoo has provided updates on the sloths’ condition through its website and social media channels, encouraging the public to follow their progress. A dedicated page, “Sloths at the Central Florida Zoo”, offers additional information and donation opportunities for those wishing to contribute to the animals’ care.

“What we have is a challenging situation, but we are committed to giving these sloths the best possible care,” Glover said. “Every animal deserves a chance at a healthy life, and we are doing everything People can to make that happen.”

What Comes Next

The sloths will remain under close observation during their quarantine period, with veterinary staff continuing to assess their health and provide individualized treatment. The zoo has not yet announced a timeline for when the animals might be introduced to the public or integrated into existing exhibits, as their recovery remains the top priority.

For now, the focus remains on stabilizing the sloths and addressing the medical issues that have left them in fragile condition. The Central Florida Zoo has urged patience from the public, emphasizing that the recovery process will be gradual and require careful monitoring.

Those interested in supporting the zoo’s efforts can donate through its official donation page.