“Dozens of sloths” destined for a Florida “slotharium” died in an unheated Orlando warehouse waiting to be transferred to the slotharium, or while in transit to the slotharium, reports NBC News.
At least 29 of the sloths died in the unheated warehouse while awaiting transfer to a still unopened Sloth World exhibit in Orlando. Those deaths were discovered in an unannounced routine inspection of the Orlando warehouse in August by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.
Sloth World had ordered 21 sloths from Guyana — 15 two‑toed sloths and six three‑toed sloths. The sloths arrived in Florida in December 2024. All 21 sloths died in a cold spell. The warehouse was not suitable for the animals, and had no water or electricity. Sloth World admitted to inspectors that the warehouse “was not ready to receive the sloths,” but said “it was too late to cancel the shipment.”
NBC News notes that
Multiple space heaters were purchased, but they had to be powered from a different building using extension cords. This tripped a fuse, meaning there was no heat in the building the night the sloths died. The minimum recorded temperature that night was approximately 46 degrees.
Another 10 sloths from Peru arrived in February, 2025…Upon arrival, two were found dead, and the remaining eight later died at the warehouse due to health complications.
