Central Florida Zoo Accepts Donation of 13 Sloths from Sloth World Attraction Which Will Now Not Open

- Michelle Snow

Central Florida Zoo - Sloth

Earlier this month, it was revealed that several sloths had died during the set-up of a Sloth World attraction set to open at ICON Park Orlando, but now the remaining cloths have been donated to the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, giving the animals the best possible chance for long-term survival under expert care.

The sloths are currently in quarantine, where they are being assessed by the Zoo’s veterinary team. They will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days, with their nutrition and overall health closely monitored by professional animal care staff and medical teams.

“When we were approached about taking in these sloths, the team all agreed it was something we should and wanted to do. Our Zoo team has decades of experience caring for sloths, and we can ensure they will receive the best care and nutrition to give them the best opportunity for a positive outcome,” said Richard E. Glover, Zoo CEO.

“This is also a meaningful opportunity for us to contribute to the long-term conservation of these unique species. By bringing these animals into an accredited setting and participating in the Species Survival Plan, we’re giving them the best possible chance to thrive and helping ensure a healthy, sustainable population of sloths for future generations.”

The zoo said it would assume ownership of the sloths – temporarily – while it works with the Species Survival Plan Program to find a long-term placement for them with an AZA-accredited (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) facility. Some of the sloths could remain at the zoo.

Central Florida Zoo - Sloth
Central Florida Zoo

This all started with the December 2025 announcement of Sloth World, a new Sloth-themed attraction being built at ICON Park Orlando.

However, it was reported earlier this month that 31 sloths bound for Orlando’s Sloth World died after many were left in an unheated warehouse here in Central Florida, according to a Captive Wildlife Report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The warehouse was not properly set up and during the exteme cold spell in December 2025, the sloths were left in the cold building in their cages.

Following this tragedy coming to light, owner Ben Agresta says the Orlando Sloth World attraction will now never open, and Agresta plans to file for bankruptcy protection.

To which I say, good. They obviously weren’t set up to care for the sloths properly, and no animals should be in peril just to entertain humans.

Thanks to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for taking in the sloths and taking care of them!

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and was head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com for 10 years. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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