Sloth World Orlando, a proposed attraction in Central Florida, will not open because at least 31 of its sloths perished in an improperly licensed facility during the previous two years.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation, The Sloth Institute, and investigative reporters conducted an investigation and discovered that Sloth World Orlando had imported at least 69 wild-caught sloths that it intended to display in an educational “slotharium,” but the animals were being mistreated and dying, according to the organizations.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, building inspectors in Orange County, Florida, issued a stop-work order at a warehouse where Sloth World Orlando kept its sloths due to modifications made to the structure with permits and because the building’s most recent use permit was for vehicle storage.
Sloth World Orlando’s owner, Ben Agresta, informed Fox35Orlando that he has given up on plans for the slotharium and intends to file for bankruptcy after the reports compelled it to give up its 13 remaining sloths.
Until the Association of Zoos and Aquariums can assist in finding them permanent homes, the 13 sloths will reside at the Central Florida Zoo.
