‘Sloth World’ scandal: Florida leaders demand accountability after 50+ sloths die
Florida leaders and sloth experts are demanding accountability and more legal oversight into the importing of sloths after the deaths of more than 50 sloths intended to be part of Sloth World Orlando. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani, and other experts spoke during the briefing.
“We have a great opportunity right here in Florida to slow down that importation and to ban it completely. This is not an accredited facility, AZA. You’re not operating with conservation in mind. I mean, there’s no reason to steal animal from the wild. And bring them in, period,” Eskamani said.
13 sloths were rescued from the warehouse and taken to the Central Florida Zoo for treatment. So far, three of the sloths have died.
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According to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) records, Sloth World was originally a project between Peter Bandré and Ben Agresta. Bandré left the company earlier this year, records show.
Ben Agresta, Sloth World’s owner, has denied FWC records stating that the building lacks electricity or water during the December 2024 shipment of sloths. He blamed the sloth deaths on a virus. After the 13 sloths were sent to the Central Florida Zoo, he said he would no longer open the attraction and would file for bankruptcy.
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