Florida Stops Sloth Imports After Tragic Deaths at Closed Orlando Zoo

Florida has put a temporary hold on bringing sloths into the state after many of the wild‑caught animals died at a now‑closed attraction in Orlando. The two‑month pause was ordered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stop new imports while it reviews rules for keeping these animals. More than 98 percent of U. S. sloth imports between 2011 and 2021 entered through Miami, so the ban could affect the whole country. An investigation by Inside Climate News found that 31 sloths died in a warehouse after the company shipped them from Peru and Guyana. The animals were meant for an exhibit where visitors could see them up close for $49, but stress and illness caused many deaths. After the report, the business shut down and is now under criminal investigation. Commission chief Roger Young called the deaths “very sad” and said Florida would check its permitting system to prevent similar incidents. The ban takes effect immediately and ends July 10, but people can still get sloths that are already kept in U. S. captivity. The move has sparked debate about how the United States allows wild sloths to be taken and kept in captivity. Representative Anna Eskamani, who pushed for the investigation, said Florida’s action could prompt nationwide rule changes. She also warned that if one route is blocked, others may appear. Conservation groups say the ban matters worldwide because sloths come from other countries. Sam Trull of The Sloth Institute and Rebecca Cliffe of the Sloth Conservation Foundation point out that many U. S. facilities lack the expertise needed to care for these unique mammals, who are highly sensitive to stress and temperature changes.Sloths do not fight or flee like other mammals; they can become motionless or curl into a ball when stressed. They also cannot regulate body temperature well, making captivity dangerous. The Commission’s order reflects these physiological concerns and the high risk of illness from poor handling. The sloths were native to Central and South American rainforests. One species is critically endangered, while others are declining. The Commission said the deaths were isolated to that business and found no major problems at other facilities, though details of those checks are unclear. Reports show that the animals suffered intestinal infections and stress‑related illnesses from capture, transport, cold exposure, poor diet, and physical trauma. Some showed viral infections that took hold because of the animals’ weakened state. In addition to the import ban, Florida now requires anyone with sloths to report severe illness. The company had moved 13 surviving sloths to a Central Florida zoo, where three have since died. Ten others are in quarantine; the smallest is critically ill. Governor Ron DeSantis called the attraction a failed tourist venture and did not comment on welfare issues. Lawmakers like Rep. Maxwell Frost are urging stronger federal protections and tighter coordination between state and USDA to close loopholes that let commercial facilities house wild animals without permits. The situation highlights the need for better care standards and stricter oversight to protect these slow‑moving mammals from suffering in captivity.