ORLANDO — Florida prosecutors opened a criminal investigation in Orlando into the deaths of dozens of South American sloths that had been imported for display at the now-defunct Sloth World theme park. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission report found that 31 sloths taken from rainforests in Peru and Guyana died in an unheated warehouse between December 2024 and February 2025.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said prosecutors from his office were assisting counterparts from the state's ninth circuit in an ongoing criminal investigation into the sloth deaths and their seizure from the natural habitat. "Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves," Uthmeier wrote. He added that state prosecutors would only become involved in an animal welfare investigation if there was "evidence of a pattern of racketeering activity." Prosecutorial authority remained with Monique Worrell, state attorney for the ninth circuit.

The deaths came to light after an unannounced August 2025 visit by FWC officials to the warehouse. A spokesperson for the commission said Sloth World reported importing 61 sloths between December 2024 and March 2026 for display in a 7,500 sq ft building on International Drive in Orlando. A veterinarian consulted by the FWC found cases of systemic viral infections, neurological, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, and immune suppression among the animals, though necropsies did not definitively establish the primary cause of death or origin of infection, the spokesperson said.

Peter Bandre told inspectors that 21 two-toed sloths from Guyana were victims of a "cold stun" after temporary heaters failed, and that ten sloths from Peru arrived with two dead on arrival and eight succumbing to "poor health issues" after appearing emaciated. Bandre has since parted company with Sloth World, whose proprietor filed for bankruptcy and abandoned plans to open.

The FWC spokesperson said all Sloth World facilities had closed, no sloths remained in previously permitted facilities, and investigators were working with the owner to relinquish all permits. Permit holders were required to maintain detailed records of animals in their care but had no responsibility to report fatalities, the spokesperson said. The Central Florida Zoo said it had taken in 13 sloths voluntarily surrendered by Sloth World, one of which, named Bandit, was later euthanized after showing severe lethargy, dehydration, nutritional imbalances, and gastrointestinal complications.

PETA filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement involving former operators connected to the now-defunct attraction, calling for a criminal cruelty investigation. Inspection records cited by PETA indicated that 21 sloths died within days of arriving at the warehouse in December 2024, which lacked heat, electricity, and running water. FWC records reviewed by PETA referenced additional deaths under the owners' care since 2024, bringing the reported total to 52. PETA also alleges the warehouse was not approved for housing animals and that a stop-work order was issued during a recent inspection. "These sloths were snatched from their rainforest homes and endured a terrifying journey thousands of miles away before being left to die in a barren warehouse," said Jonathan Morris, general counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement. "Wild animals are not props for roadside attractions, and Peta is calling on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to hold Bandre and Agresta accountable for their actions and ensure that they never own animals again," Morris said.