FOX 35 Investigates

The Central Florida Zoo continues to care for the sloths that were rescued from a warehouse tied to Sloth World. Two of the surviving sloths were recently released from the ICU. Dr. Haley Straub, a veterinarian at the Central Florida Zoo, joins Good Day Orlando to talk about the care the sloths are receiving. 

Mr. Ginger, the smallest and youngest Sloth World sloth brought to the Central Florida Zoo, has died. The zoo said Mr. Ginger was humanely euthanized on Friday. He had been in very critical condition since he arrived at the zoo in April. 13 sloths were rescued from an Orange County warehouse and brought to the zoo. Four have since died: Bandit, Habanero, Dumpling, and Mr. Ginger.

Marking three weeks since 13 sloths were taken into the care of the Central Florida Zoo, the fourth and youngest Sloth, Mr. Ginger was humanely euthanized on May 15. Mr. Ginger was estimated to be four to six months old when he was brought to the zoo. 

Florida wildlife officials have temporarily banned the import of wild sloths after dozens of deaths tied to Sloth World, a now-shuttered business linked to an Orange County warehouse.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said an executive order is being drafted to temporarily ban the import of sloths to Florida, following the deaths of more than 50 sloths intended for Sloth World Orlando. FWC said it was also going to review the rules and regulations for Class III animal licenses, which sloths fall under, to see if changes need to be made. The Class III license has been questioned after the mass sloth deaths at Sloth World because, legally, the owners were not required to report the sloth deaths – only if sloths had bitten someone or escaped. FWC Executive Director Roger A. Young made the announced during Wednesday's FWC meeting.

Ten sloths rescued from a troubled Central Florida attraction are still fighting for their lives, with one in critical condition as lawmakers push for changes to prevent similar cases.

A Central Florida community is raising money to help care for sloths rescued from Sloth World after several of the animals became seriously ill.

The Central Florida Zoo is caring for sloths that were rescued from a warehouse tied to Sloth World. A veterinarian with the zoo joins Good Day Orlando to talk about caring for the animals.

Orange County commissioners are questioning warehouse oversight procedures after 55 sloths died at a Central Florida attraction while being housed in unpermitted warehouses, raising concerns similar to those sparked by a deadly 2022 fireworks explosion in the county.

After 55 total sloths in connection to the Orlando attraction, Sloth World, died, sloth conservationists aim to make changes in the transport of the animals, saying, "Ultimately, these animals should never have been removed from the rain forest." Now, they plan to meet with the county commissioners, the state attorney's office and the attorney general's office. They're also trying to meet with officials from the FWC, FOX 35's Manny Martinez reported. 

Days after Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a criminal investigation into Sloth World, after over 50 sloths died, the Orange County Sheriff's office announced it is assisting with the investigation. This comes on the heels of Florida Representative Maxwell Frost and Anna Eskamani demanding accountability. 

Three of 13 sloths transported to the Central Florida Zoo from a warehouse for the Sloth World experience have died. A necropsy report for Bandit, the first of three sloths to die, showed he had an abnormal buildup of fluid in his body. 

Over 50 sloths have been reported dead during a failed Sloth World project. With an investigation underway, officials and experts are calling for more accountability. 

Why were the the deaths of dozens of Sloth World sloths not publicly reported after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission visited the Sloth World warehouse in March? The FWC told FOX 35, the "circumstances discovered did not rise to the level of criminal intent." Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani called the situation, "willful neglect."  Now, the Orange County Sheriff's office confirmed it is investigating the situation.