The FWC incident report details that 21 two-toed sloths from Guyana died from a 'cold stun' after temporary heaters failed. The warehouse had no water or power; heaters were run by extension cables from a neighboring building, according to then-owner Peter Bandre as quoted in the report. Ten sloths came from Peru; two were dead on arrival, and the others died from 'poor health issues' after appearing emaciated, the report states.
During an August 2025 FWC inspection, a battery of cages did not meet strict regulations for animal welfare. The FWC did not issue fines or citations but gave a verbal warning for a 'captive wildlife discrepancy', according to the FWC report. The building is permitted for storage of vehicles, not animals, Fox 35 reported.
The torturous conditions these sloths were subjected to are a tragic example of the cruel and unethical wildlife trade.
Animal advocacy groups are calling for Orange County officials to halt Sloth World's planned opening next month and for a wider inquiry into the permitting process. Congressman Maxwell Frost said his office is looking into the tragedy and joining local officials investigating the attraction. A building inspector for Orange County visited the warehouse on Thursday and issued a 'stop work' order after finding nobody there, Fox 35 reported. A spokesperson for Orange County confirmed officials are investigating the attraction.
Nicole Barrantes, wildlife campaign manager of World Animal Protection US, said in a statement: 'The torturous conditions these sloths were subjected to are a tragic example of the cruel and unethical wildlife trade.' She added: 'These solitary, reclusive animals were brutally taken from their natural habitat, left to starve and freeze, and eventually die of infection. The ruthless appetite to exploit wild animals just to make money must be addressed.'
These solitary, reclusive animals were brutally taken from their natural habitat, left to starve and freeze, and eventually die of infection. The ruthless appetite to exploit wild animals just to make money must be addressed.
Congressman Frost said on social media: 'I am appalled to hear about the 31 sloths who died under the 'care' of the not yet opened Sloth World in Orlando.' He added: 'These sloths, naturally solitary animals, were put in the worst conditions possible. They were taken from their natural habitats to a packed warehouse that wasn't properly heated and allowed for the spread of deadly viruses, leading to a stress-induced death.'
The FWC did not immediately return a request for comment. Unanswered questions include who the current owner of Sloth World is after Peter Bandre, what specific permits were obtained for importing the sloths and housing them in a vehicle storage warehouse, and whether any legal or regulatory action will be taken against the owners.