According to multiple reports, Sloth World planned to open a sloth park in Orlando, USA, but 31 sloths died before the park opened, as reported by TMZ. Congressman Maxwell Frost has demanded a federal investigation into the sloth deaths, stating on social media that federal authorities should investigate the matter. The FWC reports that more than two dozen sloths under Sloth World's care died, with 21 sloths dying shortly after arriving in December 2024 from cold stun, and another 10 from the February 2025 shipment also dying.
Ben Agresta, owner of Sloth World, denied reports that the sloths died from cold-stun or other reasons. According to www.fox35orlando.com, Agresta described that the sloths had a virus that showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy. He also stated that he has no plans to open Sloth World and will likely file for bankruptcy.
The sloths were ordered in two shipments: one from Guyana on December 18, 2024, and one from Peru in February 2025, according to an FWC report. They were housed in a warehouse designed for receiving and raising sloths before transfer to Sloth World. However, a previous co-owner told FWC that the warehouse was not ready for the incoming sloths, but it was too late to cancel the shipment. The co-owner alleged that the building did not have running water or electricity for a time, and space heaters were purchased and powered via extension cord from another building, but the fuse tripped, leaving sloths without heat for at least one night. On Dec. 22, the coldest recorded temperature was 46 degrees, with an average of 56, according to the FWC report. Sloth World had no obligation to report the deaths under Florida statute. During a routine inspection in August 2025, FWC inquired about sloth deaths reported between December 2024 and February 2025.
More than a dozen sloths from Sloth World were donated to the Central Florida Zoo, according to the zoo. The zoo will evaluate the sloths and work with the Species Survival Plan Program to find long-term homes at other AZA-accredited facilities.
In other news, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, is leaving the negotiations, according to Times of Israel via Channel 12. Channel 12 reported that Ghalibaf was forced to resign by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Multiple reports indicate that Ghalibaf will not participate in the next round of peace talks in Pakistan.
Sweden's government, led by Energy Minister Ebba Busch (KD), wants to expand nuclear power. UK Business Minister Peter Kyle stated that talks are ongoing with Sweden about buying mini nuclear reactors manufactured by Rolls-Royce. According to The Telegraph, Kyle said he is in advanced talks with Sweden and is also beating the drum with other European countries and further afield. Rolls-Royce's small modular reactors (SMRs) are seen as a breakthrough because they can be manufactured in factories and assembled on site, dramatically reducing costs.
There is a complete stop in train traffic between Stockholm and Uppsala, according to SR's traffic desk. A train driver believes they hit someone or something, but it is unknown what, said police spokesperson Robert Sennerdal. Emergency services are searching along the track with police assistance. Around 22:00, about 40 minutes after the alarm, nothing has been found. The stop is between Ulriksdal and Helenelund stations and affects commuter trains, long-distance trains, Arlanda Express, and regional trains.
A car caught fire after an accident just outside Jönköping, according to police. Police, rescue services, and ambulance are on scene with multiple units. Aftonbladet reports that five people were reportedly in the car. It is currently unknown if anyone was seriously injured.
A call to 112 about a fight sounded serious but was then disconnected, according to police. When the operator called back, it turned out to be a prank. Police still went to the scene, where a middle school disco was happening, to check that everyone was okay. A remorseful boy admitted he made the call and received a stern talking-to. A report of a false alarm has been filed.
One person was injured in an ATV accident in Sollefteå, according to P4 Västernorrland. An ambulance helicopter and rescue services were called to the scene. Later, SOS alarm reported that the helicopter returned without a patient, but an ambulance remained on scene, according to Tidningen Ångermanland.