FOX 35 Investigates

What led to the deaths of 52 sloths brought to Florida for the Sloth World attraction in Orlando? Necropsy reports detail how each sloth was affected including diet, stress during transport and vomit. Now, 13 sloths are being cared for at the Central Florida Zoo. 

52 sloths have died while under the care of Sloth World -- a sloth exhibit that was set to open in Orlando. Following the deaths of over 50 sloths, those that were found alive remain under the care of the Central Florida zoo for rehabilitation. 

After Sloth World planned to open a sloth exhibit in Orlando, records released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show that tens of sloths died before the exhibit was set to take place. Now, the Central Florida Zoo is caring for 13 sloths that arrived underweight and dehydrated, one of which is in critical condition. 

The sloths that were rescued from a planned Orlando attraction are now receiving care at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Zoo CEO Richard Glover joins Good Day Orlando to talk about how the zoo is taking care of the animals. 

FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte reports after the Central Florida Zoo took in sloths following an investigation tied to Sloth World.

The owner of Sloth World filed for bankruptcy and there are now no plans to open the attraction after more than 30 sloths died ahead of the planned opening. 13 of the surviving sloths were taken to the Central Florida Zoo.

FOX 35's Hannah MacKenzie and Marie Edinger joins John Brown and LuAnne Sorrell to break down the latest details into the investigation of Sloth World, where more than 30 sloths died in a warehouse ahead of the attraction's intended opening. 13 of the sloths were removed from the warehouse and are on their way to the Central Florida Zoo.

Over a dozen sloths have been transported to the Central Florida Zoo after reports of dozens of sloths dying at a warehouse for Orlando's new Sloth World. FOX 35's Marie Edinger joined Garrett Wymer live via Zoom for the latest.

Lindsey Courtney said she was excited for Sloth World Orlando to open. So, she purchased two pre-sale tickets in January. Sloth World was expected to open in March, but that has not happened.  And now, questions are being raised after 31 sloths under their care died between Dec. 2024 and Feb. 2025, according to an August 2025 FWC incident report. FOX 35 also found out that the building where the animals were allegedly stored was permitted to store vehicles, not animals. Lindsey said she now wants a refund -- and requested one, but has not heard back. 

Orange County inspectors say a warehouse linked to a planned Orlando attraction should never have housed live animals following the deaths of 31 sloths earlier this year.

As Sloth World Orlando prepares to open its "slotharium" on Orlando's famed International Drive, some questions are being raised after 31 sloths died under its care died, according to reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The sloths were shipped to the U.S. from Guyana and Peru in December 2024. The 31 died from "cold stun" or "poor health," according to FWC's report.  Sloth World Orlando denied the FWC report, claiming the sloths died from a virus. FWC did not issue any citations, warnings, or violations in the sloth deaths, determining that there was no intentional "mal conduct." Investigators conducted an announced, routine inspection at the warehouse facility in August 2025, the report said.

A New Jersey couple who just moved to Central Florida and their friend were the victims of a cruel prank on Monday night that could have ended badly.

Lake County officials fear after heavy rainfall, chemicals can be carried into a county-run lake called Wolf Branch Sink. The United States Geological Survey, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Lake County Water Authority and a private environmental engineer told FOX 35 water from the Wolf Branch Sink drains straight into the aquifer.